National / Social Issues Jul 1, 2020
Japan's immigration authorities resume processing of visa applications
by Magdalena Osumi
The move is expected to speed up entry clearance for foreign nationals with applications stuck in pending.
Business Jun 21, 2020
Trump to order new restrictions on H-1B visas in next two days
President Donald Trump said he will announce new restrictions on employment-based immigration visas in the next two days, as the nation recovers from pandemic-related unemployment. "We are going to announce something tomorrow or the next day on the visas,” Trump said in a Fox News ...
National / Social Issues Jun 19, 2020
Japan's re-entry ban threatens scholarships, admission and graduation for foreign students
by Magdalena Osumi
Many students from developing countries heavily depend on financial aid, and it is often the only way they can pursue higher education.
National Jun 4, 2020
China issuing more visas to Japanese to boost business after shutdown
The Chinese government has stepped up the number of visas being issued to Japanese citizens after limiting them for months following the coronavirus pandemic, a diplomatic source said Wednesday. The move is apparently aimed at bringing business exchanges between the two countries back to normal, ...
National Jun 4, 2020
Japan softens re-entry ban that left foreign residents stranded
by Magdalena Osumi
The government says it has softened its stance on humanitarian grounds and will now allow foreign residents to re-enter the country regardless of their visa status.
National May 30, 2020
Japan's new labor visas fall far short of goal for first year
The government's projections were too optimistic, and the economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic isn't helping either.
National / Social Issues May 19, 2020
Foreign residents stranded abroad by Japan's coronavirus controls
by Magdalena Osumi
Japan is the only Group of Seven member denying entry to long-term and permanent residents, and has set no clear criteria for their return.
National May 12, 2020
Those with Japan visas expiring in July get extra three months to renew
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan said Tuesday it will give foreign nationals with periods of stay expiring in July a three-month extension to renew, in a bid to alleviate congestion at immigration counters amid the coronavirus outbreak. The agency had earlier granted a three-month ...
National Apr 21, 2020
Japan to extend visa suspensions until end of May as virus spreads
Foreign travelers have almost completely stopped coming to Japan, with government data for March showing a 93 percent drop from a year earlier.
National Apr 3, 2020
Japan-Russia visa-free program to be put off amid coronavirus scare
The start of this year's visa-free exchange program between Japan and Russia is set to be postponed amid the coronavirus crisis, Japanese government sources said Thursday. The Russian side is concerned that the new coronavirus could be brought to Russian-held northwestern Pacific islands covered by ...
National / Social Issues Apr 1, 2020
Stranded tourists flock to Tokyo immigration bureau already overwhelmed by seasonal rush
by Masumi Koizumi
Scores of foreign nationals queued up at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau on Wednesday, as tourists unable to return home — after international flights from Japan were suspended due to COVID-19 — added to the typical numbers attending the bureau. The facility in Minato ...