30-8-2024 (TOKYO) Japan has unveiled plans to introduce a new travel authorisation system that will affect visitors from 71 countries, including Malaysia. This move, aimed at enhancing border security and curbing illegal immigration, marks a departure from the current visa-exempt status enjoyed by citizens of these nations.
The Japanese government’s ambitious plan, slated for implementation by 2030, will require travellers from affected countries to complete an online declaration of personal information prior to their arrival. This system draws parallels with the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which was introduced as part of anti-terrorism measures.
Among the countries impacted by this new policy are several of Japan’s key tourism markets, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. These nations have historically benefited from visa-free access to Japan, contributing significantly to the country’s booming tourism industry.
The decision comes in the wake of Japan’s remarkable tourism surge, with the country welcoming over 17.7 million visitors in the first half of this year alone. Malaysia, specifically, contributed approximately 22,000 visits between January and June, according to data from JTB Tourism Research and Consulting Co.
Under the proposed system, visa-exempt foreign nationals will be required to declare their purpose of entry and intended place of stay online. This information will then be screened by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency before travel approval is granted. Applications flagged as potential illegal-stay risks will be denied, with affected travellers advised to pursue formal visa applications through their local Japanese embassies.
The primary objective of this new system, as stated by the Japanese government, is to address the issue of illegal immigrants overstaying their welcome. Currently, short-term visitors are permitted stays ranging from 14 to 90 days, depending on their passport. However, a considerable number of individuals have been found to abuse this system.
Government statistics reveal the scale of the problem: of the 49,801 illegal short-term visitors recorded in January 2016, more than 28,000 originated from visa-exempt countries and regions. The current screening process, which relies on airlines providing passenger information shortly after takeoff, has proven inadequate in preventing the entry of individuals who do not meet immigration requirements.
