The Sankei Shimbun 
Akihisa Shiozaki speaking at the Third Subcommittee of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, February 27 (from the House of Representatives Internet TV).
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Tensions are mounting between some members of the Kurdish minority from Turkey and residents in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. The conflict has brought renewed attention to Japan's refugee recognition system. To prevent system abuse, a new proposal suggests urging short-term Turkish visitors to obtain a visa before traveling to Japan. This would be an intermediate step between continuing the current visa exemption and suspending it entirely.
The topic was debated in Japan's National Diet for the first time at the end of January, where government officials responded that they would consider it carefully.
Previous Suspensions
This proposed measure, known as the "Visa Recommendation Measure," aims to encourage short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain a visa in advance. It applies to those staying up to 90 days. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website explains, if travelers do not obtain a visa beforehand, they "will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to Japan."
Currently, Turkish citizens do not need a visa for short-term stays. They can, therefore, travel to Japan with just a passport and apply for refugee status upon arrival. Applicants can remain in Japan for several years while their refugee claims are under review. As a result, the system has reportedly led to an increase in Kurdish individuals seeking employment rather than protection. Among the top ten nationalities applying for refugee status in Japan in 2023, Turkey was the only country whose citizens did not require a visa.
This situation has fueled public calls for the complete suspension of Turkey's visa exemption. In the past, Japan has implemented this measure for other countries. Specifically, Japan revoked visa exemptions for Bangladesh and Pakistan in 1989 and for Iran in 1992. A rise in unauthorized workers from these countries prompted the decision. Following this, illegal employment from these nations reportedly decreased significantly.
A Temporary Policy?
During a parliamentary budget subcommittee session on February 27, Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Akihisa Shiozaki spoke on the issue. Shiozaki pointed out that Japan has previously introduced the Visa Recommendation Measure for certain countries instead of outright revoking their visa exemption. He proposed that Japan consider this approach for Turkey.
Japan's Ministry of Justice is preparing to introduce an electronic travel authorization system called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) by 2030. Shiozaki suggested implementing the Visa Recommendation Measure as a temporary policy for five years until JESTA is fully operational.
Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto, in his response, maintained the government's existing stance on suspending the visa exemption. "It contributes to friendly relations between the two countries, and at this point, we do not see an immediate need for suspension," he stated.
Nevertheless, regarding the Visa Recommendation Measure, he acknowledged the "need to consider its significance and effectiveness while consulting with Turkey carefully." This marked the first time the government mentioned the possibility of implementing the measure.
Past Cases, Future Changes
According to MOFA, Japan currently grants short-term visa exemptions to approximately 70 countries. The Visa Recommendation Measure has only been applied to two South American nations: Peru (since 1995) and Colombia (since 2004).
In Peru's case, the measure is set to be lifted soon. During a Japan-Peru summit in November 2024, Peru agreed to cooperate with Japan on deportation procedures. As a result, Japan announced that it would restore Peru's full visa exemption within a few months.
An immigration official commented:
"As long as foreign workers can enter Japan with only a passport, the issue will continue. However, a strictly enforced Visa Recommendation Measure could greatly deter those arriving solely for employment."
RELATED:
- Kawaguchi Immigrants: Get the Facts and Deal With Them Squarely
- Sealed Report on Refugee Claims of Some Kurds Raises Questions
- Why is Kurdish Immigration to Japan on the Rise?
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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