TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan plans to ease its COVID-19 access restrictions on foreign nationals on residency visas starting next month, the state broadcaster NHK reported, following a protest over the emotional difficulties and difficulties inflicted by the measures.
Re-entry will be allowed for visa holders, adding permanent citizens and exchange students, provided they go through a coronavirus and quarantine check for 14 days, the same policy that applies to Japanese citizens returning to the country, NHK reported on Friday.
A consular official from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there is “not yet a resolution” to ease border restrictions.
Japan’s restrictions on combating the pandemic are among the strictest in the world, and prohibit access with some exceptions not only for tourists but also for long-term visa holders in more than 140 countries.
This means that many permanent citizens and other long-time citizens who have rented an apartment in Japan remain stranded outside the country, without being able to continue living and suffering enormous monetary difficulties as spending accumulates.
Others face harrowing decisions, such as leaving Japan to attend a funeral or being concerned about a circle of family members with health problems for fear that they will not be allowed to return.
Western pressure groups have criticized government policy, saying it does not agree with measures taken in other primary economies and would damage investment.
Rakuten’s executive leader, Hiroshi Mikitani, joined the fray this week, urging him to review his policy, which he says is in danger of tarnishing Japan’s appeal and stagnating innovation.
NHK said it had won “numerous warnings” by asking it to ease restrictions on the resumption of social and economic activities.
About 2.6 million foreigners reside and the government plans to expand at airports to cope with the expected accumulation of traffic after restrictions eased, NHK said.
Chris Gallagher reports; Editing through Himani Sarkar and Gerry Doyle
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