Korea-Japan Introduce Special Entry Procedures for Businesspeople... Effective from the 8th

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] South Korea and Japan reached a final agreement on the special entry procedures for businesspeople on the 6th and decided to implement them starting from the 8th. This is the first easing measure since the Japanese government strengthened entry restrictions on arrivals from Korea in April, and prospective employees of Japanese companies are also included in the scope of this special entry procedure.

The leaders of South Korea and Japan expressed mutual agreement last month on the 24th that the special entry procedures for essential personnel, which were about to be agreed upon, would serve as a turning point for resuming human exchanges between the two countries and would help develop bilateral relations. The system introduced by Japan this time is called the 'Business Track' and 'Residence Track' under the 'Phased Measures for the Resumption of International Human Mobility.'

Through this agreement, Korean businesspeople using the 'Business Track' system can submit a pledge and activity plan prepared by the inviting company in Japan to the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan in Korea, obtain a visa, and then comply with the special quarantine procedures agreed upon by both countries. After entering Japan, they can conduct economic activities without quarantine measures.

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The eligible Japanese residence statuses for using the 'Business Track' include short-term business travelers (short-term commercial), long-term residence statuses such as management, intra-company transferee, engineer/specialist in humanities/international services, nursing care, highly skilled professional, technical intern training, specified skilled worker, as well as diplomatic and official statuses.

The Japanese government has so far banned entry for all foreigners who have stayed in countries or regions designated as entry refusal areas within 14 days prior to applying for entry to Japan (including Korea, totaling 159 countries/regions), unless there are 'exceptional circumstances.' Entry under this special entry procedure agreement is included in such 'exceptional circumstances.'

With this agreement, Korea has institutionalized special entry procedures for businesspeople with Japan, following China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, and Singapore. Japan is implementing the 'Business Track' with Korea as the second country after Singapore in September.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Human exchanges will officially resume starting with businesspeople with Japan, Korea's third-largest trading partner and second-largest human exchange partner. The government will continue efforts to expand the application scope of the Korea-Japan special entry procedures for our businesspeople and support economic activities."

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