Japan had no choice but to nullify visas for infected countries such as China and S. Korea. (Image via DW)

Japan to nullify visas from China and S. Korea amid COVID-19 fears

Alfonsus Adi Putra
Politics & Economic
Regulation
Mar 08, 2020
2694
On Friday, Japan’s Foreign Ministry announced the nullification of 2.8 million visas held by Chinese visitors and 17,000 by South Korean (S. Korea) to prevent the further outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the land. Japan will also suspend a short-stay visa-waiver program for S. Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Opposed by some, tightening the border controls and restricting travelers from infected countries are part of the steps announced by the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.

Different reactions are shown by the two countries. While S. Korean saw red and promised to do the same in retaliation to Japan’s action, China reacted humbly and accepted Japan’s policy as an appropriate measure to safeguard public health.

Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, said that starting 9 March to 31 March, the visas from infected countries will be invalid. The end of the policy will be determined as the Japanese government is monitoring the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak.

For the Chinese and S. Korean visitors arriving in Japan already, their stay will not be terminated. However, if they leave Japan, they cannot re-enter with the same visa. Moreover, the Japanese government is asking all Chinese and S. Korean travelers in Japan to be willing to be quarantined at designated facilities for two weeks.

While Japan is still recovering from the economic impact due to the tax-hike policy, the visa nullification will certainly do its damage. In February, the number of foreign tourists was seen dropping hard, below 1 million.

Source: https://bit.ly/3cAmlP7

Politics , Regulations , Travel , Tourism , Leisure , Medical , Health , Disease , Pulmonary , Coronavirus , COVID-19 , Asia , Japan , S.Korea , China