Hello, this is Kawakami of IMS.
Countries worldwide have already taken measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including entry bans, travel restrictions, and quarantines. Although taken for granted in calmer times, traveling or studying abroad can only be done when daily safety is maintained.
In emergencies, however, all individuals should take action to prevent the spread of infection. The foundations of health and safety are indispensable, and from this standpoint, international exchange is the proof of a mature society.
The spread of this virus has reminded me that accepting foreigners into Japan -- and Japanese traveling or working abroad -- is not guaranteed. Our ability to do these things is dependent on health and safety. I hope that we will soon return to a society where international exchange can happen, while we work hard to maintain our own health.
For foreign nationals who are studying or working in Japan for the long-term, they must weather this emergency in a place other than their home country. Many countries have placed restrictions on travelers from Japan. In addition, depending on the spread of infection in their home countries, many foreigners may not be able to return.
Japan has also implemented a border protection measure that invalidates visa applications and newly issued visas for certain countries. This is intended to temporarily restrict foreigners from coming to Japan. However, this does not mean that visas of foreigners currently in Japan with medium- or long-term visas are immediately invalidated.
Information for foreign residents is currently summarized on the website of the Ministry of Justice.
