News

Most Japanese Back Ban On Visas For Foreigners Amid Omicron Concerns – Poll

TOKYO, Dec 6  — Almost 89 per cent of Japanese have backed the government’s decision to halt the issuance of business and student visas to foreign nationals since the emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant, Sputnik reported the findings of a public opinion poll published by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper.

At the start of December, the country’s government announced the temporary suspension of long- and short-term visas to foreign nationals in a bid to minimise the spread of the Omicron variant.

The government’s decision was criticised by just 8 per cent of the poll’s respondents.

Against this backdrop, overall support for the country’s government has increased to 62 per cent from 56 per cent last month.

This is not the first time that the country has suspended the issuance of visas to foreign nationals during the pandemic. In December last year, the country imposed a ban on the issuance of new visas and closed the entry to almost all foreigners, except for holders of residence permits and long-term visas.

Omicron was first detected in South Africa and labelled as a variant of concern due to its high infection rates by the World Health Organisation, prompting countries worldwide to enforce new travel restrictions and public health measures.

On Nov 30, Japan confirmed its first Omicron case.

Sources: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

TV Sarawak Is Leveling Up, From Kuching to the World with Spotlight 25/26

Since its debut in 2020, TV Sarawak (TVS) has been rewriting what it means to… Read More

1 day ago

Skechers Steps Up the Game with New Basketball Collection

Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company™ and a global leader in lifestyle and performance footwear, has… Read More

1 day ago

LexisNexis Brings AI Legal Sidekick to Malaysia with Protégé

Move over Suits, the future of law just got an AI upgrade. LexisNexis has officially… Read More

1 day ago

BJAK Turns Insurance Renewals into Rewards with RM100,000 Mega Giveaway This 10.10

Renewing insurance and road tax is often a last-minute hassle, but BJAK, Malaysia’s largest online… Read More

1 day ago

SHANTEA Dessert Opens First Outlet at Mid Valley, Serving Malaysian Culture Through Sweet Creations Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

Malaysian flavors stepped into the spotlight today as SHANTEA Dessert officially opened its first outlet… Read More

1 day ago

Energea Powers Up Malaysia with Bold Tangerine Collection and Next-Gen Hybrid-Solid State Powerbank

Energea, the lifestyle-driven power solutions and tech accessories brand, has officially introduced two groundbreaking innovations:… Read More

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.