EBC Newsletter – September 11, 2020

Following the implementation, on September 1^st, of the new entry procedures to (re-)enter Japan, the EBC has issued a new statement.

We welcome this first step, but we would like to point out three issues:

• Non-Japanese nationals have to be tested overseas before coming back to Japan, which can be problematic for businesspeople that are abroad for a day or two only. Furthermore, Japanese nationals do not need to follow this procedure;
• The lifting does not address the issue of new incoming expats, except for a few cases. The EBC believes that Japan needs to open up its border for them as they are vital to the Japanese economy;
• While implementing an appropriate medical protocol, the Japanese government needs to issue guidelines on how short-term businesspeople that are essential to support both European and Japanese companies can enter Japan.

We will therefore continue our high-level meetings to advocate for further relaxation.

We are also preparing a webinar on the new (re-)entry procedures at the end of the month, as many points still look vague according to the various emails we are receiving. You are welcome to send us your questions in advance (see details below).

We wish you a good reading and hope you stay positive and healthy during this difficult time.

Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

I am certain you have read about the latest changes to the re-entry ban. The EBC continues to work on this issue to improve not only the situation for residents, but also for new visa-holders who have not yet become residents and for short-term businesspeople.

In regards to this, we are interested in knowing your thoughts and especially what questions you may have. We are continuously meeting various ministries and such questions would also help us ask the right questions and get the answers that would benefit you.

We are planning to organize a webinar at the end of September/beginning of October with a government representative, where some of your questions could be answered.
This is to be confirmed and more information will hopefully come in a future newsletter.

Please send in your questions to [email protected].
In the subject line, mention “Questions on entry restrictions”.

Please understand that we can neither ask nor answer all questions, but we hope to get answers to the most common questions.

Read this EuroBiz article to know more about the HR committee and send us an email if you want to join!