Feb 25 (NHK) - The Japanese government on Friday started online procedures for foreign entrants ahead of its easing of entry restrictions next week.
The necessary procedures can be accessed from the health ministry's website and is operated by Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System, or ERFS.
Japan has essentially banned the new entry of foreigners as part of measures against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. But the restrictions will be eased from next Tuesday.
Academic institutions and businesses that will facilitate foreigners' entry need to register the entrants' passport data and locations where they will self-isolate upon arriving in Japan on the ERFS system in advance.
The host bodies also have to consent to a pledge that they will have entrants implement thorough anti-infection measures. The procedure is needed for applicants to apply for visas at Japanese diplomatic missions abroad.
Online applications will be accepted around the clock. Health ministry officials say visas will be issued about a week after application at the earliest.
Foreigners and host organizations are welcoming the start of the procedures, but some are concerned whether they will be able to book air tickets.
The daily cap on arrivals will be raised from 3,500 to 5,000, including Japanese nationals, but excluding foreign tourists. The government will consider whether to further ease restrictions depending on infection situations in Japan and overseas, as well as demand from Japanese nationals who want to return home.
Source: TBS NEWS
