Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The European Business Council in Japan (EBC), together with the American Chamber of Commerce (ACCJ) and the International Bankers Association of Japan (IBA), on Friday issued a statement on the entry restrictions in Japan requesting the country to amend its current regulations to make it possible for companies to bring top management and specialists to Japan.

With some exceptions, this has not been possible for almost two years.

“Japan’s ban on entry by business and student travelers goes considerably beyond the steps its major partners have taken and has imposed and real and increasing economic and human costs. The ban and moratorium on the issuance of new visas have set back efforts to revive the economy and promote japan as a destination for investments and a global financial hub, prevented Japanese and global companies alike from bringing in the talent they nee, separated supposes and other family members and stoped tens of thousands of foreign students from studying in Japan,” the statement said.

Foreigners living in Japan are allowed to leave the country and return but are forced to stay in quarantine hotels – paid for by the government – for around a week. Most have to eat cold meals three times a day and stay in tiny, windowless rooms.