17-3-2024 (BANGKOK) The Thai government has reiterated its commitment to tackling the issue of Thai nationals overstaying their 15-day visas in Japan, following a notable increase in cases over recent years.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jakkapong Sangmanee, revealed that he held discussions with a senior official from the Japanese embassy last week to address the matter, assuring that the government is actively exploring solutions.
The meeting was convened against a backdrop of public concern regarding the potential withdrawal of visa-free privileges extended by Japan. Tokyo has urged Thailand to urgently address the issue, warning that failure to do so could jeopardize the continuation of the visa-free policy beyond 2025.
Figures from the Department of Consular Affairs indicate a sharp rise in the number of Thais overstaying their visas in Japan, soaring from 8,688 in 2021 to 9,549 in 2022 and further escalating to 11,472 in 2023. This contrasts starkly with the approximately 3,500 cases reported in 2013 when the visa-free policy was introduced.
Mr. Jakkapong acknowledged that while the current numbers are relatively small compared to Thailand’s overall outbound tourist figures last year, he emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly. He directed the Department of Consular Affairs to collaborate with various agencies, underscoring the Foreign Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Labour Ministry to promote legal employment opportunities within the country.
The minister noted that the Japanese official commended Thailand’s proactive measures and acknowledged the necessity for joint efforts from both sides to resolve the issue.
According to the “Giftchan Nang Lao” Facebook page, which disseminates information about Japan, instances of foreign nationals overstaying their visas in the country have been steadily increasing, as reported by Japanese authorities.
Since July 2013, Tokyo has exempted Thai visitors from visa requirements following the Fukushima nuclear power plant incident. Although this measure was temporarily suspended during the pandemic, it was reinstated in October 2022.
