The government said Tuesday it has been allowing the entry of foreign nationals teaching at international schools and their families as exceptions to the travel ban imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a news conference that first-time entry and re-entry by international school teachers are regarded as “special circumstances” to protect children’s rights to receive education and due to difficulties in finding replacements in Japan.

“Regarding teachers at international schools and their families, we are admitting new entries as well as re-entries of those with resident status,” Motegi said.

Japan currently bans entry of all foreign nationals from 146 designated countries and regions in principle.

The denial of re-entry for those with permanent resident status has drawn fierce criticism particularly from Japan’s expatriate community, as it effectively prevents them from traveling abroad and returning.