The Japanese government has again tightened its restrictions on new entries of foreign nationals and on activities for COVID-19 vaccination certificate holders due to the rapid expansion of the Omicron variant infection around the world. These changes fully went into effect as of December 1, 2021, as one-month temporary measures valid until the end of 2021, to determine the degree of danger the Omicron variant presents. This restriction could be extended depending on infection status.
SUSPENSION ON NEW ENTRIES OF FOREIGN NATIONALS
The Japanese government started a primary review for inspection clearance to permit foreign nationals to enter Japan as persons under “special circumstances” on November 8, 2021. However, considering the rapid expansion of the Omicron variant, Japan has now temporarily suspended this approach until December 31, 2021. As a result, foreign nationals’ new entry to Japan from all countries are effectively banned until December 31, 2021.
SUSPENSION OF ACTIVITIES FOR COVID-19 VACCINATION CERTIFICATE HOLDERS
The Japanese government also started a primary review for inspection clearance to permit foreign nationals to conduct certain activities designated in an activity plan during a 14-day quarantine period from November 8, 2021. Japan has also now temporarily suspended this approach until December 31, 2021. Even if foreign nationals are holders of valid COVID-19 vaccination certificates, they must comply with a 14-day quarantine period.
ENHANCED MONITORING OF JAPANESE RETURNEES & FOREIGN RE-ENTRANTS
Under the new rules, where Japanese returnees and foreign nationals who re-enter Japan with a Re-Entry Permit or a Special Re-Entry Permit are returning from the below countries, they are subject to the following enhanced monitoring during the 14-day quarantine period and are required to stay at a location designated by the quarantine center and take a PCR test at the designated timing.
(As of December 1, 2021)
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Stay 10 days at Designated Location subject to PCR testing on the 3rd, 6th, and 10th day
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Stay 6 days at Designated Location subject to PCR testing on the 3rd and 6th day
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Stay 3 days at Designated Location subject to PCR testing on the 3rd day
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Angora, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho
(10)
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Israel, Italy, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Peru (7)
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Argentina, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Ecuador, Australia, Austria, Canada (Ontario), Kenya, Costa Rica, Colombia, Suriname, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Dominican Republic, Turkey, Nepal, Haiti, Pakistan, Philippines, Brazil, France, Belgium, Hong Kong, Morocco, Mongolia, Russia (coastal region and Moscow) (27)
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LIMIT TO TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRANTS
Beginning December 1, 2021, the total number of entrants is reduced. The number of entrants is likely to be reduced to 3,500 persons from 5,000 persons.
Paralegals Mai Ishii (Licensed Professional – Administrative Procedure) and Ayako Hiraiwa (Licensed Professional – Commercial Registrations & Administrative Procedure) contributed to this LawFlash.
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