National Oct 22, 2020
Fake residence cards proliferating as more non-Japanese overstay
Investigators acted on 748 cases of possession, forgery and other offenses involving residence cards in 2019 alone, according to the National Police Agency.
National Oct 5, 2020
Japan considering ways to lift entry ban for foreign tourists
If Japan lifts its entry ban on tourists in general, it would mark a turning point for its border control measures.
Business Oct 2, 2020
California judge blocks Trump from restricting visas for highly skilled workers
The order, at odds with the conclusion reached by a federal judge in Washington, means the fight will likely move to an appeals court.
National / Social Issues Sep 4, 2020
Japan lays out way back for residents with expired visas and re-entry permits
by Magdalena Osumi
The Justice Ministry announced this week that non-Japanese residents who couldn't return before papers expired would be able to seek re-entry under special circumstances.
National Aug 30, 2020
Japan's new skilled worker visa program still far behind goal
Fewer than 4,000 people have obtained the permit, which aims to reduce labor shortages by attracting overseas workers.
National / Social Issues Aug 28, 2020
All Japan’s foreign residents can travel in and out from September
by Magdalena Osumi
The announcement comes amid intensifying criticism of the existing policy from the foreign community and business groups affected by the restrictions.
National Aug 23, 2020
Japan and Laos agreed Sunday to allow expatriates to resume traveling as early as September, provided they stay home for 14 days after entering their respective countries as part of measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The plan was agreed to by ...
National Aug 23, 2020
China to begin issuing re-entry visas for Japanese businesspeople denied return due to COVID-19
Those who have valid residential permits issued by Chinese authorities can apply for the re-entry visa, the Chinese Embassy said.
National Aug 23, 2020
Japan likely to ease entry restrictions for foreign students by month's end
The coronavirus restrictions will first be eased for students sponsored by the government, with self-supporting international students next in line.
National Aug 22, 2020
Japan received an estimated 3,800 visitors in July, posting a year-on-year plunge of 99.9 percent for the fourth consecutive month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, government data shows. With strict border controls in place essentially banning people from 146 countries and regions, there ...
National / Social Issues Aug 21, 2020
Japan may allow in all stranded foreign residents from September
by Magdalena Osumi
Japan has faced criticism for its failure to lift the ban on legal residents, which stands in stark contrast with the practices of the rest of the G7.
National Aug 3, 2020
Japan to impose stricter re-entry procedures for travelers from four countries
by Magdalena Osumi
Controls will be imposed for Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines and Peru after higher numbers of COVID-19 cases were found in arrivals from those countries.