Health

Japan eases restrictions allowing re-entry for foreign residents

Tokyo, Jul 22 (efe-epa).- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Wednesday that Japan will allow more foreign residents to re-enter the country, starting with workers and students, as part of an easing of immigration restrictions.

Entry into the country will be conditional on requirements including having a negative test certificate for Covid-19 before arrival in the country, Abe said during a meeting of Japan’s pandemic management group.

Abe, who did not say when the new measures will apply, said that the nation is considering letting business people from Europe and the United States enter for a limited time.

Japan will also start negotiations with 12 more countries and regions to resume travel and bilateral business, he added.

China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Brunei and Myanmar are among the countries Tokyo plans to negotiate with.

Japan reached an agreement with Vietnam and Thailand on Wednesday to ease restrictions and allow travel to resume.

International arrivals could be permitted from the end of July while maintaining a requirement for a 14-day quarantine, according to Japan’s foreign ministry.

Negotiations are also underway with Australia and New Zealand, countries that have brought the virus under control.

Abe also said that his government will consider the conditions on allowing entry to athletes and other people involved in the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Thursday will start the countdown of one year from the opening ceremony of the Games, which is scheduled to take place on 23 July 2021.

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