Japan lifts 'state of emergency' domestically... but extends 'entry ban and quarantine' for Koreans

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is entering the Prime Minister's Official Residence wearing a mask on the morning of the 25th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] On the 25th, the Japanese government decided to maintain its de facto 'entry ban' and measures such as quarantine and prohibition of public transportation use for South Korean nationals in relation to the COVID-19 situation until the end of next month. Originally, these measures were scheduled to be implemented until the end of this month, but they have been extended by one month.

According to local media reports on the day, the Japanese government is said to have extended the suspension of the so-called 'visa-free entry system,' which allows South Koreans to stay in Japan without a visa within 90 days, until the end of next month.

In addition, the measure requiring those who stayed in Korea and then entered Japan to quarantine for two weeks in hotels and not use public transportation has also been extended by one month.

This is a de facto comprehensive entry ban on South Korean nationals, which has been in effect since March. The South Korean government pointed out that this is an 'excessive and unreasonable measure' and demanded its immediate withdrawal, but it was not accepted.

Along with this, the Japanese government reportedly decided on the day to add 11 countries, including India, to the list of 100 countries and regions subject to entry restrictions.

Meanwhile, unlike these strict movement restriction measures for overseas entrants, Japan lifted all of its declared 'state of emergency' after 48 days since its proclamation on the same day.