Photo credit: Kyodo News
The Japanese government on March 10 approved a Bill to amend the immigration control law to establish an online pre-entry screening system for overseas arrivals and significantly increase residence status application fees for foreigners.
The Straits Times reports that the Cabinet-endorsed Bill will be submitted to the current Diet session, and if enacted, the government aims to implement the entry eligibility screening system called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, in fiscal 2028.
The amendment includes raising the upper limit for visa application and renewal fees from 10,000 yen to 300,000 yen, marking the first increase since 1982.
The introduction of JESTA aims to prevent terrorism and illegal employment, according to the Immigration Services Agency. It would target the current 74 countries and regions whose citizens are exempt from obtaining short stay visas.
Several days before travelling to Japan, applicants would be required to provide information online, including their name, the purpose of their stay and the locations they intend to visit. Those suspected of travelling for illegal employment or other violations would be denied boarding on aircraft and ships.
Fees are currently set at 10,000 yen for application for permanent residency and 6,000 yen for residence period renewals.
