Int'l school teachers in Japan exempted from entry ban

Why ?

Why ?

Because they want kids to be able to go to school.

So now the official policy is for all non-Japanese residents to be ranked based on their job, allowing a first-time entry 22 year old new-to-Japan Ekaiwa teacher a higher status than a 25+ year permanent resident with Japanese family and their own tax-paying business?

Let the derision begin....

Only “international schools?” So the education of Japanese students at Japanese schools isn’t important?

sometimes Japan is truly a mystery.

So now the official policy is for all non-Japanese residents to be ranked based on their job

Yes. Which makes more sense than letting no one in, or letting everyone in.

allowing a first-time entry 22 year old new-to-Japan Ekaiwa teacher a higher status than a 25+ year permanent resident with Japanese family and their own tax-paying business?

I don't think they likely were making that comparison when they made this decision.

Only “international schools?” So the education of Japanese students at Japanese schools isn’t important?

The teachers at Japanese schools are mostly Japanese, and will mostly be in Japan. Why would they need to make this rule?

Only “international schools?” So the education of Japanese students at Japanese schools isn’t important?

It is important. Japanese schools don't need teachers from aboard. International schools need teachers from aboard to teach their students.

all permanent residents has been screwed and riped-off! paying tax and pension for what??? ban to entry in the country they are living!!!!!!!!

compensation is needed!!!!!!!

wouldn't be because International Schools serve, among others, the offspring of executives, professors, embassy staff... (you know, the foreign elite).... would it?

(To those with just negativity)

In my opinion, the influx of hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions) of foreigners over decades here, has contributed greatly to Japan being a more tolerant nation.

Its made it more diverse and has changed it undeniably.

Protect children's rights? Japan? Pull the other one. Unlike in countries like UK, in Japan, school is not compulsory for foreign children.

I don't think they likely were making that comparison when they made this decision.

And I also doubt they considered that schools may be lacking some students right now since those who tend to enroll in International Schools are usually the children of the foreign residents, who may be stuck out of the country right now.

So much for "protecting children's rights to receive education". Maybe the ones stuck abroad can go to their int'l school in Japan via Zoom.

"Unlike in countries like UK, in Japan, school is not compulsory for foreign children."

True, but they are allowed to attend a Japanese school- which many do- if they want to attend.

Its made it more diverse and has changed it undeniably.

against the wishes of the Japanese people.

Too expensive to let them in .

This isn't about care for foreigners it's about Japanese kids missing out... Japan needs to consider they are splitting families apart not just care what is good for Japanese only.

Amazing how permanent residency essentially means nothing to Japan.

It actually means nothing. Doesn't matter how long you live here, if you have children and a spouse here, a house here, pay taxes here for most of your life, are a law abiding, contributing member of society...

You don't matter to Japan at all.

This proves it without a shadow of a doubt.

Amazing how permanent residency essentially means nothing to Japan.

Yes, it means absolutely nothing. I have been here for a long time and not once do wish or have needed "PR"

It's all for show.

I guess Permanent residency is not permanent.

I finally received my Japanese visa this year after years of applying, however I accept responsibility for leaving and understand why I am not allowed back. I could have stayed but chose not to.

In this heat,I would probably wait if I was abroad.

Humidity and extreme temperatures plus a mask is not something to joke about esp in Tokyo and crowded trains.

Very difficult to breath.

This makes my blood boil. I've been here 25 years, permanent resident, paid every red cent of taxes I owe.

My mother is terminally ill in England, and Abe decides if I go to visit her during her last summer, I can't come back, so I lose my job and my family lose our home.

But if some Oyaji from Gifu wants to GoTo Heartful Japan, sit in an onsen full of other old geezers' b0ll0ckwater and eat at a buffet with them, my tax money will pay for half his trip there and back.

And if some clown from Florida gets a job with Gaba, he flies straight in and infects everyone on the plane and at his place of work.

Great job, Abe-san. You're a real leader. And by leader, I mean tw@t.

wouldn't be because International Schools serve, among others, the offspring of executives, professors, embassy staff... (you know, the foreign elite).... would it?

My kid goes to an international school and I am no elite!! So stop generalizing!!!

The ban on long term residents from entering Japan is unfair, they could have put conditions like forced quarantine etc. Jobs are being lost because people are not able to come back.

Just because you live in Japan, for a day or a hundred years, a foreigner is exactly that, you are not a Japanese citizen, in fact you are a citizen of a foreign country. Typically, those bemoaning the inferior status of a PR are from an English speaking country. Employ is based on the mother tongue and engaged in a carpetbagging endeavor aka 'teaching' which has very little connection to education. All the nonsensical balderdash about paying taxes as a basis for gaining rights as a citizen, belie the understanding those taxes pay for services and infrastructure used on a daily basis and do not afford purchase of citizenship. You want to be a citizen of Japan, go thru the process. Barring entry is not punitive, it is to contain a pandemic and routes of transmission, by disallowing foreigners travelling from specific states and regions. It is to insure a common good of its citizens, of which PRs are not. To wit: I finally received my Japanese visa this year after years of applying, however I accept responsibility for leaving and understand why I am not allowed back. 

@Richard Gallagher

mmmmmmm absolute nonsense.

Permanent residency is supposed to be permanent. As in, you can't just throw them out willy nilly.

So being the parent or the spouse of a Japanese citizen affords you no rights?

How far are you willing to take that statement? It's fine for them to be barred from their families? From their homes? Their livelihoods?

What if there were war... I wonder what you would find acceptable to do to non-citizens in that case?

Would you find it acceptable for other countries to do the same to Japanese citizens living abroad?

It has nothing to do with the virus, obviously, as Japanese citizens are welcome to come back from these countries as long as they quarantine themselves.

Not to mention I think a lot of us would apply for citizenship if Japan allowed for dual citizenship. But they don't. So most won't.

They let me back in, my grandmother died.... again

My mother is terminally ill in England, and Abe decides if I go to visit her during her last summer, I can't come back, so I lose my job and my family lose our home.

No, in that case, you CAN come back, as ailing parents are one of the exceptions that allow foreigners back in provided that you have documentation proving this.

I find it more than slightly amusing that the lowly English teachers are having their day!

They are literally able to come and go from Japan when all the permanent residents cannot.

If Japan and its laws are looked at carefully then it is easy to see that foreigners, even permanent residents are not afforded the same rights as Japanese.

Knowing this, I decided to always keep investments and the majority of my money out of Japan.

Thank goodness that it has worked out...

I find it more than slightly amusing that the lowly English teachers are having their day!

What makes them lowly? You don't think that educating the children of the nation is an esteemed job? Why do you look down upon it?

And what do you do that makes you so elite? Easy to look down on someone else for their profession, while hiding your own.

So being the parent or the spouse of a Japanese citizen affords you no rights?

exactly! AND...

what about the rights of the Japanese citizens that have a foreign parent or spouse? Are they not being discriminated against?

It has nothing to do with the virus, obviously, as Japanese citizens are welcome to come back from these countries as long as they quarantine themselves.

No, that's conflating two issues that may have never been connected in the first place.

Discussion one: What do we do when Japanese nationals try to return to Japan?

Discussion two: What do we do when foreigners try to return to Japan?

It may not have even been the same group of peopel making these decisions. Inferring that there is a connection between these two is making unfounded assumptions.

Sorry, something went wrong with my post above...

I wanted to say @ Ally Rustom:

I see how the moderators deleted some of the comments

Try to get used to it. They always do that.

I am trying, but impossible.

@RichardGallagher that is the worst unthought out post I've see in weeks. Justifying racism is not cool. So it's fine to pay tax, married have a family children, grandchildren but a permanent Visa turns out not to be permanent.? And you can't come back? Come on.

Barring entry is not punitive, it is to contain a pandemic and routes of transmission, by disallowing foreigners travelling from specific states and regions. It is to insure a common good of its citizens, of which PRs are not.

I'm inclined to agree with this.

And for those who always thought 'I don't need Japanese citizenship, because I have PR', maybe Covid has exposed a good reason to take on Japanese citizenship, if that's where their primary interests lie. When the only main difference previously between PR and citizenship was the right to vote, for many foreigners it was preferable to keep their foreign citizenship. I'm one of those. But in the past few months, I've definitely wondered if it's not better to take on full citizenship, even at the loss of my original (which is mostly sentimental really).

Many japanese families are living separate inside Japan or some are also overseas.

They meet only in Obon or Golden week.

Try to get used to it.

at least they can meet

I can understand "first time entry" being permitted if positions need to be filled. By why is "re-entry" being permitted? Is there a need to let international school teachers and among non-Japanese in Japan, only international school teachers go on foreign holidays during this pandemic?

Sooner or later, IOC folks and athletes and support staff are going to have to start coming, so the Olympics may end up being a blessing in ending this discrimination.

Sorry, something went wrong with my post above...

I wanted to say @ Ally Rustom:

I see how the moderators deleted some of the comments

Try to get used to it. They always do that.

I am trying, but impossible.

its ok. I got the message.

About families separate:

The japanese are used to live separate from their families.

Many families in Japan are living separate in different cities. They only met during Obon or Golden Week.

That is normal in Japan.

Therefore the japanese government don't care if families are separated, because for them it is a normal situation.

 Barring entry is not punitive, it is to contain a pandemic and routes of transmission, by disallowing foreigners travelling from specific states and regions. It is to insure a common good of its citizens, of which PRs are not.

Stupid argument. Do you think the Japanese are immune to this virus then??

Many families in Japan are living separate in different cities. They only met during Obon or Golden Week.

That is normal in Japan.

Therefore the japanese government don't care if families are separated, because for them it is a normal situation.

Not for the parents of small children. that's not normal

Thank you @thepersoniamnow , that was a very good point. And I must say to all those who posted negatively, as thepersoniamnow put it, we’re in a pandemic, so you can’t start all at once. Then again, you have to start somewhere as well. And this is a first step.

Now yes, permanent residents should be the next step, but it’s certainly a lot better than nothing.

It occurs to me that under the law that was cited, foreign children unable to attend international schools would have to be accommodated in Japanese schools, which the Japanese authorities would see as problematic from a number of perspectives. Separate but unequal is the preferred norm.

This is a pretty negative inference, especially considering the majority of international school students are Japanese.

My mother is terminally ill in England, and Abe decides if I go to visit her during her last summer, I can't come back, so I lose my job and my family lose our home.

No, in that case, you CAN come back, as ailing parents are one of the exceptions that allow foreigners back in provided that you have documentation proving this.

because of course the virus would NEVER affect those people or the Japanese...

It is important. Japanese schools don't need teachers from aboard. International schools need teachers from aboard to teach their students.

so why do they keep hiring them then?

stupid comment

Wait, I thought the entry ban was to "prevent the spread of novel coronavirus" as MOFA clearly said on it's website.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

So now, English teachers are no longer "dangerous" but non-English teachers are?

So now, English teachers are no longer "dangerous" but non-English teachers are?

No, no one has said that, nor I doubt even thought it.

Weird inference.

so why do they keep hiring them then?

The majority of foreign teachers at Japanese schools are assistants, so there is still a teacher in the classroom even when the foreign teacher is there. The foreign teacher isn't a necessity. The Japanese teacher is.

At international schools however, the foreign teacher is usually the only teacher, so if the foreign teacher cannot come, there is no teacher. In this case, the foreign teacher is necessary.

should I leave for any reason, I'd be banned from returning to all that. Please explain to me why that is.

People are completely against domestic travel because of the virus, but are outraged when they can't head off on a holiday overseas because of the virus. Insanity.

No, in that case, you CAN come back, as ailing parents are one of the exceptions that allow foreigners back in provided that you have documentation proving this.

Please provide a link if possible. I know an older American man flew to see his ill wife in Boston and returned last week. He was allowed in at Narita and sent for 2 weeks to a hotel near the airport.

You just gave an example supporting the assertion. Why do you need a link?

People are completely against domestic travel because of the virus, but are outraged when they can't head off on a holiday overseas because of the virus. Insanity.

I'd bet that these are almost always different groups of people.

Well thats good news for us International School teachers, the question is, will that include article 1 schools in Japan? I'm guessing so since Motegi Toshimitsu's son went to one.

So now the official policy is for all non-Japanese residents to be ranked based on their job, allowing a first-time entry 22 year old new-to-Japan Ekaiwa [sic] teacher a higher status than a 25+ year permanent resident with Japanese family and their own tax-paying business?

What are you talking about? An eikaiwa teacher is not an international school teacher.

he majority of foreign teachers at Japanese schools are assistants, so there is still a teacher in the classroom even when the foreign teacher is there. The foreign teacher isn't a necessity. The Japanese teacher is.

Not true. MANY Japanese private schools have foreign teachers teach in classrooms by themselves. Nichidai, schools Satoe Gakuen schools, Urawa Gakuen I could go on.

At international schools however, the foreign teacher is usually the only teacher, so if the foreign teacher cannot come, there is no teacher. In this case, the foreign teacher is necessary.

In many Japanese private schools that is also the case

At international schools however, the foreign teacher is usually the only teacher, so if the foreign teacher cannot come, there is no teacher. In this case, the foreign teacher is necessary.

In many Japanese private schools that is also the case

as well as Eikaiwa teachers so they should be given the same exemption.

This is a pretty negative inference, especially considering the majority of international school students are Japanese.

Indeed. The vast majority are Japanese (or Korean).

What makes them lowly? You don't think that educating the children of the nation is an esteemed job? Why do you look down upon it?

@Strangerland

Apologies if I triggered you this morning.

You seem to know a lot of what I think-it’s uncanny...

the majority of international school students are Japanese." It depends on the school, the location, and whether it follows an international curriculum aimed at entrance into western universities.

That’s how the breakdown of international to Japanese may breakdown, but we weren’t speaking of individual schools,, but rather of the breakdown of Japanese to international students at international schools in Japan - which there are more Japanese than non Japanese students.

In many Japanese private schools that is also the case

as well as Eikaiwa teachers so they should be given the same exemption.

The problem with the “A for an exception so B should get one too” is that this leads to everyone getting an exemption, defeating the purpose of the rule in the first place.

So I guess corona doesn't affect those with Japanese Nationality, and international school teachers.

This is one of those measures that are just pure racism masked by the "we must stop the Coronavirus" narrative.

The virus is ALREADY inside the country. All these countries that ALREADY have widespread infection of the virus, and still have closed their borders based on nationality and some other "special circumstances" (read, those we like) are just pandering to nationalists as a once in a lifetime opportunity to do so.

People are completely against domestic travel because of the virus, but are outraged when they can't head off on a holiday overseas because of the virus. Insanity.

Exactly! This sort of embarrassing entitlement is a stain on all foreigners in Japan and they shouldn't be allowed in regardless of a pandemic. There are expats here in Japan who love it and have their lives here, but a tiny minority of triggered and eternally outraged expats are brewing up a huge backlash against all foreigners.

So I guess corona doesn't affect those with Japanese Nationality, and international school teachers.

No, the government is trying to figure out how they can keep the country running while also trying to minimize the spread of the virus.

Some people think that’s racist.

No, the government is trying to figure out how they can keep the country running while also trying to minimize the spread of the virus.

So, are Japanese people not able to spread the virus?

I mean, I have Japanese nationality, I can go out to just travel and come back.

A lot of people who do not have the Japanese nationality, cannot come back to their own homes and families for basically any reason for months now, many already in financial ruin because of this.

The reasoning behind these bans are arbitrary, and mostly just purely nationalistic. I mean, if you banned people who can enter based in their skin color people would be outraged, but if it is based on nationality, apparently people are ok with that, even if those are permanent residents.

Really, since march the world continues to go down the drain hole, but I hope in the future all those who helped to make the world a worst place will be remembered as the real virus of this pandemic.

In most countries Permanent Resident means exactly that! It is someone who is granted permission to live as though a citizen of that country with minor restrictions, such as not being able to vote, run for office, work in the military or intelligence etc. I understand some countries (Australia) no longer regards the permanent in PR as PERMANENT, but Japan's policy on this is inhumane. PR and long term visa holders etc. should be treated the same as Japanese citizens.

The policy is discriminatory has torn families apart and Japan must be shamed into changing this immediately.

As for the rest. With appropriate screening and mandatory lockdown, it is workable. An international teacher is NOT the highest priority in this scenario.

The problem with the “A for an exception so B should get one too” is that this leads to everyone getting an exemption, defeating the purpose of the rule in the first place.

as well they should. they live here and pay taxes here. and what is the purpose of the rule? to protect Japan from the virus? If so, then it makes no difference what your job description is. The virus doesn't care

The reasoning behind these bans are arbitrary, and mostly just purely nationalistic. I mean, if you banned people who can enter based in their skin color people would be outraged, but if it is based on nationality, apparently people are ok with that, even if those are permanent residents.

Really, since march the world continues to go down the drain hole, but I hope in the future all those who helped to make the world a worst place will be remembered as the real virus of this pandemic.

very well said

They are letting in teachers at international schools as they are hard to replace. I’d like to think foreigners with Japanese families would be considered hard to replace too.

This policy is cruel and discriminatory and is slowly being mentioned in the foreign press. From what I can ascertain the only other country that has this policy is the UAE, where Dubai is built on the talent of foreign residents and they are not happy about it. Appallingly, the UAE has started allow tourism but not movement of foreign residents. I wonder when Japan will follow suit?

I think it reflects their own inferiority complex more than anything and probably jealousy at not being accepted into the JET program. Persons like that probably walk around all day with their face staring at the ground. Any person making an honest living should be respected.

I was brought up to respect anybody doing a honest day’s work. Looks like some didn’t have the luck I did in being brought up with decent values.

I have always agreed with the idea that those who enjoy looking down on others are very conscious of others looking down upon them. A really pathetic existence.

Man, I am really shocked. Not. You should all know how Japan operates by now: Only "useful" gaijin return, please.

While the exemption has NOTHING to do with your average eikaiwa teacher and is limited to trained, professional teachers at international schools, most holding a Masters degree in Education or some other professional qualification beyond a 4-year undergraduate degree, it is still infuriating. That the government struck a deal with one particular group of trained professionals, yet does not allow others and especially permanent residents the same privilege is asinine. As ExJourno pointed out: An international teacher is NOT the highest priority in this scenario. What about university professors, what about business people, what about the average Joe, what about all the non-Japanese who pay taxes and have spouses, kids, and homes here that they need to come back to? It was a very poorly thought out decision to allow one select group an exemption...I'm hoping this blows up.

I always knew that international school teachers were immune from diseases and therefore would be safe to enter Japan again with Corona raging. Why else would the government say the ban is not racist but for safety reasons, and then allow only them back in?

It was a very poorly thought out decision to allow one select group an exemption...I'm hoping this blows up.

if you asked PR of they're willing to be tested and quaranteen for 2 weeks to be eligible for return Im sure youll find most would accept those conditions, but they dont even allow that.

Now image if Japanese nationals with family and PR were treated the same in other countries , wonder if Japans government would be complaining.

What makes Japanese nationals returning to their Japanese families any different from foreign nationals return to their Japanese families. Are Japanese immune to covid19!?. This stupid policy isn't based on science just fear and xenophobia.

Meanwhile Obon is just around the corner and no restriction placed to reduce the spread

Other countries allow PR's back in... that is what PR means! Japan needs to stop being so damn racist! I understand blocking tourists but why PR's!?

I see few post pointing out the fact that first in line should be those with children here. Obviously. Children need care and need their parents most. Next should be spouses dependent on their foreign spouse. Then maybe grandparents who also help raise kids.

Oh, but no. Welcome to Japan Inc. International schools need their foreign teachers. I mean, yes, they certainly do if they are going to stay in business. Public schools don't need ALTs to stay in business because they are not a business.

So they skip over PRs, tax payers, established residents, bread winner spouses and parents of small children to help a business area and pretend two weeks quarantine will work for them better than anyone else.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi

Remember his name when you get back.

to be honest. I have PR, work, house, 1 kid in Japan and one more on way. With all of this I can't find a reason why I would go back to during corona season. It didn't cross my mind for even sec.

back to my country I mean

I think it will be timely for the residents stuck abroad to sue the Japanese government in a class-action lawsuit when they eventually return and claim for compensation for their financial and other losses.

I think it will be timely for the residents stuck abroad to sue the Japanese government in a class-action lawsuit when they eventually return and claim for compensation for their financial and other losses.

Great idea! It's time for expats in Japan to put their money where their mouths are and create a bit of noise, because until that happens only a few thousand or so people in Japan care about the opinions of foreigners. A racism lawsuit will surely turn the tide and bring back a bit of respect and self dignity to all foreigners in Japan.

If you've lived here a long time and have no plans to leave, change your nationality. Its not difficult to do.

If not, don't moan about being treated different, why should be government be bound to treat you the same when you are unwilling to be the same as everyone(i.e japanese nationality).

Yes, you pay taxes etc but by having a different passport you are still a guest, remember permanent residency means you are permanently allowed to live here, it doesnt mean you are guaranteed the right to all benefits given to japanese nationals.

@Strangerland

What makes them lowly? You don't think that educating the children of the nation is an esteemed job? Why do you look down upon it?

And what do you do that makes you so elite? Easy to look down on someone else for their profession, while hiding your own.

For sure, the salaries of teachers in Japan,

according to my acquaintances, have been at a standstill and in fact falling for decades.

This is due to many international companies leaving the country and locating elsewhere.

So, relatively speaking as professionals, terms and conditions do not match salaries given to Japanese teachers.

And as for the rest of your comments?

Well, you can ponder as you wish but if you wish to propose that I am part of an elite then feel free to do so....

From what I've gathered, this is all about the ¥¥¥. Some people are saying the association of international schools lobbied (paid?) this decision and got what they wanted.

The tuition at these schools is very high - so definitely not for the average Japanese kid. More for the kids of the elite, and some foreigners, who have no other choice (e.g. if their stay in Japan is temporary and if their kid doesn't speak any Japanese). This is really not about the children's right to get education - as that right is universal, and that would mean all kids, not just kids at the international schools.

(Also, many commentators are mixing things up: this is not about eikaiwa teachers, JETs or ALTs. It's about teachers at international schools (mainly elementary and jhs I believe), where the language used is mainly English, not Japanese.)

remember permanent residency means you are permanently allowed to live here,

Which is denied if they stop you re-entering.

divinda

now the official policy is for all non-Japanese residents to be ranked based on their job, allowing a first-time entry 22 year old new-to-Japan Ekaiwa teacher 

I don't think "international school teacher" and "eikawa teacher" are at all the same thing. As the article states:

"foreign nationals teaching at international schools".

That's quite a bit different to the situation you paint. Not that it's fair, mind you... but just: for accuracy.

Derek Grebe

And if some clown from Florida gets a job with Gaba, he flies straight in and infects everyone on the plane and at his place of work.

Yeah... no. Last I checked, GABA is not an "International School".

I think some people are getting somewhat confused about who this is impacting. Teachers at International Schools (not "international teachers" at eikawa).

I too am PR, pay taxes, have a house, Japanese wife, and children like many of the posters that a complaining so loudly. On the other hand I certainly can’t imagine why, during a pandemic, I would leave Japan.

If I had left prior to the travel ban I would be allowed to return. If, after the travel ban, a close relative became deathly ill or if there were another emergency I would be allowed to leave and return.

Does that mean most of those complaining so loudly thought they were entitled enough to leave Japan after the travel ban, knowing they wouldn’t be able to return, and then think complaining and claiming racism they would be able to come back to Japan during the ban?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think nationals did left during the ban should be able to return either but I’m just pointing out that the PRs that left after the ban should have known they might not be able to return. If that’s a decision they made then they shouldn’t be complaining after the fact.

Does that mean most of those complaining so loudly thought they were entitled enough to leave Japan after the travel ban, knowing they wouldn’t be able to return, and then think complaining and claiming racism they would be able to come back to Japan during the ban?

Missing the point, why are Japanese people allowed to leave and return? They are drawing the line on who can some in on what passport you hold. I get they shouldn't allow tourists, but PR's should be able to return as they are "permanent residents" of Japan.

Missing the point, why are Japanese people allowed to leave and return? They are drawing the line on who can some in on what passport you hold. I get they shouldn't allow tourists, but PR's should be able to return as they are "permanent residents" of Japan.

exactly!

@carpslidy

...remember permanent residency means you are permanently allowed to live here

Exactly. They've got permission to permanently live in Japan, and yet are being barred from coming back home. You seem to understand the point perfectly well?

Sorry, I think you missed my point.

I don’t think that foreigners OR nationals that left Japan after the travel ban for a vacation should be allowed to return.

However the foreigners that did choose to travel out of Japan, without an excusable reason, knowing they couldn’t return have only themselves to blame. As I pointed out if they left prior to the ban they are allowed to return. If there is an emergency, death, or sever illness of a relative, they can return. If they PR defied the ban, went on vacation, and then thought complaining loudly enough would get them back into the country I just can’t understand their reasoning.

Is it fair to let nationals leave and return during the ban but not let PR return? No it isn’t! But the rule was clear before they chose to leave. If those complaining on JT were PRs that hadn’t left but wanted to then I would agree, but most of the complaining is about “being stuck overseas”, meaning they decided to defy the travel ban, knowing the consequences, but chose to do that anyway.

Why didn’t they stay in Japan and complain instead of going on vacation thinking things would workout if the complained enough?

PR is not the same as having a Japanese passport, which foreigners can get if they give up their native country passport. PR just means you don't have to update your visa every year. That's it.

carpslidy

...remember permanent residency means you are permanently allowed to live here

Exactly. They've got permission to permanently live in Japan, and yet are being barred from coming back home. You seem to understand the point perfectly well?

Permant residents can return if they have a reason for leaving.

Simply japanese nationals can work/travel abroad, pr cant.

Seeing how much posters complain about the go to campaign,you would think this would be no big deal

The logic in this thread seems to be "if they let in anybody, they better let in EVERYBODY".

Why is it always binary here? What are so many posters on this site devoid of the ability to understand that sometimes nuance situations are required?

Which of the complainers can tell us the "proper" solution, where everybody is happy. I've noticed a lot of whining about who didn't get something, and literally not a single suggestion of what the "correct" answer is. You know, the one where everyone is happy.

Why hasn't anyone started a petition on this?

@jaybeeb: My guess is that it's just fake outrage, so no one really has the spine or desire to do anything about it. Although, I'd love to see a racism suit brought by the angry expats, it would provide a week or so of wholesome entertainment. A petition would be dead on arrival.

Simple, just do it the English way. Let everybody in, check no - one's temperature at the airport, track no-one, quarantine no-one and let the virus run rampant.

Yokoso Corona virus!

The logic in this thread seems to be "if they let in anybody, they better let in EVERYBODY".

I do not see that logic in this thread, making this assertion a straw man. I don't see anyone asking for tourists be let in. The issue is people who live in Japan as their home, especially those with Japanese dependents.

The howling omission is that other countries are allowing their permanent residents to leave and reenter in the same way as citizens. It sounds like pretty much every other OECD country is. When acting against international conventions, the burden of proof lies on "why keep them out?" rather than "why let them in?"

So what’s the correct solution where everyone is happy?

I think if this issue is pressed from outside Japan,then the J gvt can make changes.

I once tried to sue a private case in Japan.All the lawyers, judges were Japanese and all they saw in me was a gaijin walking in and out of courts and they all tried to discourage me and the lawyers just took my money.

There are some downsides with this policy:

1 If you employer, for whatever reason, fires you while you're overseas on vacation you won't be able to come back to find a new job, see your family or even pick up your stuff. 2 If you decide to advance your career and move on to a different job, you'll lose the re-entry privilege, but that's minor compared to #1

Unlike in countries like UK, in Japan, school is not compulsory for foreign children

Despite common believed, school isn't compulsory in the U.K. Any parent can homeschool.

@carpslidy

It is a big deal for some of us that need to travel for business and I need to do a trip this year in October.

As the rewards in doing so are large, I will do so

However, I am prepared not to be allowed back, but that is ok with me.

Now, the solution to this conundrum of allowing us back is simple.

The answer is testing and quarantine.

Even charging those foreigners that wish to leave and return would be fine by me but ‘thinking outside the box’ doesn’t come easy to politicians and civil servants.....

And they don’t give a s**** about foreigners.

I am a foreigner in Japan. It isn’t technically correct to say this rule is bent against foreigners. The line is citizenship. There are foreigners who hold Japanese passports and citizenship. These foreigners, naturalized Japanese citizens, can leave and come back as they please. So the issue isn’t about us versus them although it’s easy to think that.

You are disagreeing with whether or not permanent residents should enjoy the same privileges as citizens, the right to come and go as you please. Unfortunately that’s the current situation, but it’s not a case of foreigners versus the Japanese.

@Strangerland

The logic in this thread seems to be "if they let in anybody, they better let in EVERYBODY".

Incorrect.

Why is it always binary here? What are so many posters on this site devoid of the ability to understand that sometimes nuance situations are required?

Which of the complainers can tell us the "proper" solution, where everybody is happy. I've noticed a lot of whining about who didn't get something, and literally not a single suggestion of what the "correct" answer is. You know, the one where everyone is happy.

Nope, it's not about "letting everybody in", but about the order of things, and things being fair. So no jumping the queue by the power of money or lobbying.

In this case: PR's and other residents of Japan, who, i.e,. already have a home here, should be let in first, before any new-comers. I don't think anyone is saying that e.g. tourists should be let in for a long time. So here's my solution for the order which I personally think would be fair - it wouldn't make everyone happy, but I think it would be justified:

PR's and spouses/children of Japanese nationals

dependants

the ones with already existing work visa and already existing student visa.

New-comers and tourists, who have not established their lives here yet or don't even mean to, should be last on the list.

kurisupisuToday 

It is a big deal for some of us that need to travel for business and I need to do a trip this year in October

I am sorry to hear your situation, personaly anyone who goes through quarantine should be allowed in. I just don't have time for those who call for lockdowns and closing business in one breath and then call racism when they are unable to travel.

"Permanent residency is supposed to be permanent"

You, and many others by arrestment are having "problems" with this word:

"Permanent"

Permanent, not perpetual, or immutable.

Permanent (legal concept) which can be revoked.

Permanent residency can be revoked/suspended.

In EVERY country in the World.

Including yours.

So stop blaming the Japanese, pls.

Lol!!!

Look at all the people upset by what I said.

Theres a lot of people here who are just upset and wanna vent.

My life and outlook has to try to be positive and see things for what they are.

Don’t wanna become the angry ranter at the bar do ya?? :)

Permanent Residency has no meaning! So funny.

the Japanese government puts foreign residents in two different categories. to some they wanna say “douzo” ( “still gaijin though” ), to others, “whatever you can stay here”, with a feeling of shouganai. this pandemic is actually helping us to understand this reality. some posters here wanna keep denying the obvious. Japan, as a country, has a long way to go.

Here is a simple way to see the idiocy of the policy. A Japanese and their spouse (foreign, with PR) go abroad. Upon return, the Japanese can get into the country, but the spouse cannot. They took the same trip, were exposed to the same 'dangers', yet somehow the foreign spouse is deemed a hazard to society.

Ridiculous.

"They took the same trip, were exposed to the same 'dangers', yet somehow the foreign spouse is deemed a hazard to society."

There's no Law to stop a national from entering his/her country.

Same in your country, not just Japan.

Same everywhere.

"Here is a simple way to see the idiocy of the policy"

Probably yes; but again, the Japanese husband/wife cannot be stopped from entering Japan.

I heard that someone is petitioning the IOC to withdraw the 2021 Olympics due to the re-entry ban.

Apparently due to non-compliance with Olympics values. I found the link on Change today:-

http://chng.it/kXwHdMcGsk

 but again, the Japanese husband/wife cannot be stopped from entering Japan.

Why not? Of course they can.

Nope, it's not about "letting everybody in", but about the order of things, and things being fair. So no jumping the queue by the power of money or lobbying.

In this case: PR's and other residents of Japan, who, i.e,. already have a home here, should be let in first, before any new-comers.

And how is that fair to those who are trying to start new lives here, and had been making efforts to come here before the pandemic?

You don't think they'd complain the same as everyone else on this thread?

Sorry, failed solution - not everyone is happy.

Seems the people here are just angry because it didn't favor THEM. If the rules had only favored THEM and not someone ELSE. Then the rules would be fair.

Here is a simple way to see the idiocy of the policy. A Japanese and their spouse (foreign, with PR) go abroad. Upon return, the Japanese can get into the country, but the spouse cannot. They took the same trip, were exposed to the same 'dangers', yet somehow the foreign spouse is deemed a hazard to society.

So what's the "correct" solution?

"Why not? Of course they can."

Having problems of comprehension, aren't we?

Don't know the Law, do you?

A national has a RIGHT to enter his/her country!!!

An American citizen has the RIGHT to enter America, a Brit to enter the UK, an Australian to enter Australia, a Canadian to enter Canada, and so on and so forth; without restrictions.

The same goes for Japanese entering Japan.

Capisce?

You are very naive. Rights are man-made ideas. If a government decides someone can't enter their country, they can't enter. If there was a (genuinely, unlike this poxy shite) serious plague in some other country, do you think Japan would let Japanese back in, just because they are Japanese. (Bad example because Japan probably would....)

England told all UK citizens to get the hell back to the country back in March. They were potentially about to close all borders. To everyone. They have cancelled the passports of British nationals abroad if they don't like what they are doing.

It's all a choice. Not letting PRs back in is a choice. Not letting Japanese back in would be a choice.

It's all the same.

Capisce???

Rights are man-made ideas. If a government decides someone can't enter their country, they can't enter.

This is true. However, there is an international human rights law: https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/human-rights/

Enforcing the law is not always so easy though. Lots of various interests. The point is though, human rights aren't necessarily determined by the country alone.

Governments act in their own interests and are amoral in doing so.

Whatever, is deemed necessary will be done.

History shows us that...

" Rights are man-made ideas"

You don;t say?

I happen to have an LLB (2:1) + LPC (England & Wales)); you're preaching to the Pope.

1) The British Gov asked everyone to come back because international flights were to be suspended; if a Brit was to swim across the Channel, there was nothing to stop him/her entering the country.

2) You're alluding to British citizens who had their nationality revoked, on account of leaving the UK to fight for ISIS; nationality revoked (legality of revocation "nebulous") but exclusion was made for people non longer Brits, i.e. nationals. High Treason, or "lese-majeste" to name a few probable grounds.

3) Government does not legislate;j I'll leave it to your do do some research then come back.

"Your rights as a British citizen

If you’re a British citizen you can live and work in the UK free of any immigration controls."

"https://www.gov.uk/check-british-citizenship"

"free df ANY immigration controls" (emphasis is mine).

Only Parliament can legislate to abrogate the Right of Entry for British Nationals; there is not a single tabled motion in Parliament to do away with such a Right.

See also@

Immigration Act 1971

British Nationality Act 1981

If you're British you'll have unfettered entry, whatever the weather.

Even if you're not in possession of a passport (a friend of mine just done it)

Other countries are letting the non-native residents back in, making this an international norm. There are other norms Japan ignores, the Hague Convention on child abductions, etc. but lots of wrongs don't make a right.

It was announced yesterday that the Japanese population fell by 505,000 people in 2019, the record fall. The working age population is also likely to have fallen by close to one million. This makes poor immigration policy a bad idea even out of Japan's own self-interest. Upsetting PRs, the most integrated of immigrants, when you need to further ramp up immigration is an even worse idea.

Other countries are letting the non-native residents back in, making this an international norm. There are other norms Japan ignores, the Hague Convention on child abductions, etc. but lots of wrongs don't make a right.

It was announced yesterday that the Japanese population fell by 505,000 people in 2019, the record fall. The working age population is also likely to have fallen by close to one million. This makes poor immigration policy a bad idea even out of Japan's own self-interest. Upsetting PRs, the most integrated of immigrants, when you need to further ramp up immigration is an even worse idea.

Very Very well said! I concur wholeheartedly!

MOFA started to give landing permissions who has valid visa/re-entry permit from 5th Aug 2020.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001074.html

In a state of (genuine) emergency a government would do whatever it saw fit.

MOFA started to give landing permissions who has valid visa/re-entry permit from 5th Aug 2020.

They made it even more difficult and more hassle. Why would one need another re-entry to approve the one that is the passport already. Furthermore, some countries won't test anyone without symptoms. Japan is one of them, but hey, let's make this difficult requirement from foreign residents stuck abroad, so they give up to return. Our citizens don't spread viruses so they can just fly as they please even though they might be clusters.

In addition to the above, if you cannot get tested without symptoms, then you obligated to travel to another country who test whoever shows up at the the doors as they had no other problems. It is time consuming, cost money and risky too.

When comes to law suit mentioned by someone above. Check this out

http://www.debito.org/?p=16201

New York Times Article

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/05/business/japan-entry-ban-coronavirus.html

One of comments in NYT.

I'm also in this situation. My wife, a Japanese national, and I, a Japanese permanent resident, were living in Japan from last Dec until June this year, when we went back to the US to sell our house and take care of my late father's estate. When we returned to Japan in July, I was turned away and forced back on the same plane we had arrived in. My wife and our children stayed in Japan. COVID-19 nasal swabs for PCR tests were taken at the airport. My wife's test results came back negative. Since we had been together all day every day until then, I can't imagine that I was not negative, too, but since I was turned away, they didn't even process my swab. I was perfectly willing to go into quarantine until the test results came back, but no.

So, now I'm in the US, homeless, alone, 72 years old. I never thought the Japanese authorities would act so heartlessly and break up our family. The concept of saving face is very important in Japanese culture, and this kind of thing certainly makes Japan look cruel and inhumane in the eyes of the world, but the government obviously doesn't care a whit about that anymore.

"In a state of (genuine) emergency a government would do whatever it saw fit."

"Where did you study this type of Law?!" In the former USSR? North Korea? Fidel's Cuba?

No.

They wouldn't because they can't.

Unless you're from N.K, (maybe China) it doesn't happen in any democracy, with the rule of law, as paramountcy.

Legislation is a matter for Parliament(s); Governments need legislative permission, i.e. legis from Parliament to effect such drastic changes to an entrenched and fundamental right, in this instance, the right of every citizen to freely enter the country of his/her nationality.

Emergency Powers are available to Government to pass regulations without the need to consult Parliament in matters of exceptional circumstances and should be temporary and proportionate.

However, those powers only exist because a preexisting Legislative Act, creating it.

As you even said, the law already exists...

"As you even said, the law already exists..."

Where did you read that the law to restrict entrance to citizens exist?

That's not what I said.

There's not such Law.

Barring a national from entering is not included in the Coronavirus Act 2020, or in the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.

And this is it for now.

I'm currently at work and typing here clearly means, not working.

I think any country would be crazy to let in anyone from the diseased countries like America and Brazil in. This year at least. If they're going to exempt teachers, they shouldn't exempt them from this nation.

TigersTokyoDomeAug. 5  10:20 pm JST

I heard that someone is petitioning the IOC to withdraw the 2021 Olympics due to the re-entry ban.

Apparently due to non-compliance with Olympics values. I found the link on Change today:-

http://chng.it/kXwHdMcGsk

This petition is pretty harsh but it's actually getting to this point now.

There are multiple ways to measure someone's exposure to the virus. So why is the Japanese government using nationality and race as a way to deny free travel to those of us who are here and are Japan's biggest proponents. It must be related to the fact that the JP.gov doesn't want to test for the virus properly in the first place. Doesn't the Japanese government have a smart PR agency (Dentsu) to advise them? They are steering themselves into a major PR disaster if they don't wake up here soon. If this ban isn't lifted soon I suggest that the foreign community start to mobilize PR, lobbying and legal actions. For lobbying we should start by asking our governments to employ reciprocity with Japan on travel to/from our countries.

Why hasn't anyone started a petition on this?

Yes, there's a petition on this, started by クラーマー スベン.

Name is:

"Stop the entry ban on legal foreign residents of Japan"

http://chng.it/myJQxbKMJC

We believe that this petition should have more diffusion on media. We yet are not reaching the 25k signs. If only this is translated in Chinese, Vietnamese, Philippines, among other southern Eastern Asian languages we would have reached the goal long ago..

I feel so helpless, unable to meet my husband since end of March, beginning of April. The embassy is not helping enough, and the lawyers are saying we must keep waiting.. We're speechless and helpless.

Why didn’t they stay in Japan and complain instead of going on vacation thinking things would workout if the complained enough?

Do you really think everyone who's abroad by now was on vacations?? We had tickets to return, but they got cancelled by the airline.

After my husband and I got married, we decided it would be a nice idea to meet my parents, who are elders by now, so he decided to keep working until I come back 2 weeks after. Then the outbreak started in March.

We have been talking with japanese embassy, lawyers, and searched a lot in the Internet.

Nothing else to do for us. Just wait.

Job, the house, kids, everything is waiting for me in Japan. Who to blame? I want to ask same to the japanese government.

Why my husband would be allowed to come back but I can't do same?

It doesn't matter how much I read on this, the family is separated and we're heart broken.

The only hope is the ban to be stopped and allow expats to come home safely. Take a PCR and everything, like a Japanese National would do. All people doing same.

We've also heard that Germany put a ban to japanese people to re entry to EU, until japan allows Germans to re enter japan.

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/germany-lifts-entry-ban-for-travellers-from-11-third-countries-leaves-out-algeria-morocco-rwanda-serbia/

As per China, Japan, and South Korea, their residents will be allowed to travel to Germany only if they grant Germans with entry into their territory, as the three of them have entry bans for Germans in place.

This is how all countries should act. Claps on Germany.

Hello guys,

I have a question. I am an English teacher at a Japanese company. Because of the pandemic, the company cut the program on 7/30 to save money, I think???? My VISA expires In early September and I have been running around like a wild man to find another teaching job. In April, the government extended the VISA until this past July. Do you think they will extend it again because of the second wave???? Most English schools need a sixty day sponsor time. Guidance anyone is much appreciated!!!!

Can American teachers teaching for private companies such as Nova return to Japan?

Are work visas for Anerican working in Japan being held up for those teaching in private schools in Japan?

What can be done for them , wanting to return to a promised job in Japan.

We have been waiting since early May for working visa and to return to Japan and teach.

What about those Americans who have made plans to become permanent residents of Japan, has a job waiting the them and can not get back into Japan? Someone help us, please!

Someone please give us some direction , my son was hired by a language school in Tokyo. He came back to US in May for his work visa (which still has not arrived). He lives with us, no job, spent everything toset up a life in Japan, planning to live there permanent near his sister, her husband who is Japanese as well as baby nephew.

Is the Japanese Embassy Holding new work visas for Americans?

Who does he contact? Will be still have his job when he returns? The company has not contacted him either.

Every $ he had was spent on what he needed to return there and live. He is so depressed and without direction, sitting here waiting to return and contribute to your country and the people of Tokyo .

Help us!

I feel for your son, but unfortunately there isn't much to do but wait. Your son will be quite low down on the list of priorities for people the government is ready to let in.

And unfortunately, if communication from his company has gone dark, they most likely realize that as well.

Covid has messed everyone up.

Julie Riley

Can American teachers teaching for private companies such as Nova return to Japan?

No. NOVA is an 'eikawa', and that doesn't come under the allowed entries.