Japan to Exempt 2-Week Quarantine for Citizens Returning from Overseas Business Trips

Supporting Economic Recovery by Facilitating Business Trips for Private Sector Employees
Reviewing Lifting Entry Bans for Visitors from 12 Countries and Regions Including Han

The view of Haneda International Airport in Japan [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] According to reports by Asahi Shimbun and others on the 8th, the Japanese government has decided to exempt the two-week self-quarantine required after returning home for its nationals returning from overseas business trips or foreigners with residence status re-entering the country, provided certain conditions are met.

According to the reports, the Japanese government plans to significantly ease entry restrictions imposed to respond to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the near future. Nationals returning from overseas business trips and foreigners re-entering the country will be exempted from the two-week self-quarantine at hotels or their homes on the condition that they submit an activity plan and do not use public transportation.

Asahi explained that this is intended to facilitate overseas business trips for private company employees and support smooth economic activities.

Additionally, the Japanese government is considering lifting the advisories against its nationals visiting and the entry bans on residents from 12 countries and regions, including South Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Since the beginning of this year, the Japanese government has implemented measures to block the inflow of infection sources through airports and ports to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Last month, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga instructed to ease these measures, and related ministries have been reviewing response plans. Asahi added that the government plans to decide on the easing measures within this month and implement them early.

Earlier, on the 6th, the governments of South Korea and Japan announced that starting from the 8th, they will implement a "Special Entry Procedure for Businesspeople," allowing businesspeople visiting both countries to engage in economic activities without the two-week self-quarantine if they follow certain quarantine procedures.

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