FKI Welcomes Mutual Easing of Entry Restrictions for Korean and Japanese Businesspeople

"It Will Greatly Help Exchanges Between Businesspeople of Both Countries"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) expressed its welcome on the 6th regarding the agreement between the South Korean and Japanese governments to ease mutual entry restrictions for businesspeople.

In a statement released that afternoon, the FKI said, "The business community welcomes the agreement by the South Korean and Japanese governments to ease mutual entry restrictions for businesspeople starting from the 8th of this month."

The FKI added, "This agreement is a measure to somewhat ease the entry restrictions between the two countries, which have been the biggest obstacle to business activities toward Japan, and it is expected to greatly help exchanges between businesspeople of both countries who have been struggling due to COVID-19."

It also urged the two governments, "We hope that this measure will serve as an opportunity to make more active efforts to advance toward a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship in overall economic cooperation."

Furthermore, it pledged, "The business community will also do its best to revitalize economic cooperation between the two countries and overcome the economic crisis based on thorough quarantine measures."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had agreed to implement the "Special Entry Procedure for Businesspeople" starting from the 8th of this month, which allows businesspeople visiting South Korea and Japan to engage in economic activities immediately without quarantine if they follow quarantine procedures.

This system mainly applies to short-term travelers under the "Business Track" and long-term residents under the "Residence Track." Businesspeople wishing to visit Japan under the "Business Track" must submit a pledge and activity plan prepared by the inviting Japanese company to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General in Korea to obtain a visa. If they comply with the special quarantine procedures of both countries, they will be exempt from quarantine upon entry into Japan.

The special quarantine procedures include health monitoring for 14 days before departure, obtaining a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before the flight, and enrolling in private medical insurance applicable during the stay in Japan, such as travel insurance.

However, after entry, they must undergo another COVID-19 test and monitor their health via a smartphone application, and for 14 days, they are only allowed to travel between their accommodation and workplace using designated vehicles.

On the other hand, those entering under the Residence Track do not need an activity plan but must quarantine for 14 days.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.