87 foreign students exempted from Japan entry ban

NHK -- Jan 17

Japan's government is set to allow in a few dozen foreign students now barred from entry. But tens of thousands of others remain in limbo.

The government has instituted a near total ban on the new entry of foreigners.

The anti-Omicron measures will be in place through February.

But later this month it plans to start allowing in 87 foreign students with Japanese government scholarships.

Officials say it's a special case. The students need to attend classes in person to meet deadlines for completing their courses. They will need to follow quarantine rules.

The government says it has no plans to change its current, strict border rules.