Japan lifts visa requirement for ASEAN countries.

Japan has lifted visa requirements for a number of ASEAN countries to help spur the nation's tourism industry and to develop the relationships with Southeast Asian countries.



World Bulletin/News Desk

Japan has lefted visa requirements for a number of ASEAN countries including Thailand and Malaysia to help spur the nation's tourism industry and to develop relationships with Southeast Asian countries.

According to Foreign Ministry’s pronouncement, visa exemption will be effective for Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Viet Nam after July, 1. Ministry underlined the decision is adopted to celebrate “40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.” Visa exemption is valid for short time visit no longer than 15 days. Japan cautioned those travelers who want to stay longer must still need a visa.

The territorial dispute between Tokyo and Beijing lowered the Chinese travelers. Japan’s move to nationalize disputed islands at the East China Sea drew a harsh critic from Chinese’s officials and triggered a boycott from Chinese’s consumers and tourists. With no end in sight to the dispute, the Japanese government turned its eye to lucrative Southeast Asian market. Tokyo wants to attract 1 million Southeast Asian tourists this year, and 2 million in 2016. The number was 780,000 last year.

On the political side, the Japanese governments want to have a closer relationship with ASEAN countries. Nationalist leader Shinzo Abe who visited Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia after becoming prime minister is expected to tour Malaysia and the Philippines. During his visit, Japanese Prime Minister will try to develop relations with Southeast Asian countries to obstruct Beijing’s regional ambition, reports say. Malaysia and the Philippines have a territorial dispute with Beijing likewise Japan. Japanese PM Abe is due to host a special meeting of ASEAN leaders in Tokyo in December.
BOMBER

Extension of Period of Stay for Recipients of Multiple Entry Visas for Nationals of the Republic of Indonesia

In celebration of the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Government of Japan has decided that from July 1, the length of stay for holders of multiple entry visas for short-term stay will be extended from 15 days to a maximum of 30 days for nationals of the Republic of Indonesia (ordinary passport holders) who reside in their home country.
The further development of Japan-Indonesia exchange is expected as a result of the extension of period of stay for multiple entry visas, including increases in the number of tourist from Indonesia who visit Japan and the enhancement of the ease of business transactions between the two countries.

«Reference»
Multiple entry visas for short-term stay for the nationals of the Republic of Indonesia

Target:
Those who have fulfilled certain conditions and who have an ordinary Machine-Readable passport (MRP) meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards or an ordinary IC passport.
Period of stay:
30 days.
Term of validity:
Up to three years.
SUMBER