Taiwan & Japan Reopen Borders For Long Term Residents

Taiwan and Japan will reopen their borders starting September 8th for for long-term residents after governments in both countries have decided to mutually easy current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Japan’s government in Tokyo announced yesterday.

In making the announcement the Japanese government also said it had, in principle, agreed similar easing of travel limitations with citizens of four South East Asian nations – Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar

Those taking advantage of the easing of travel restrictions will still be expected to go into a period of self isolation for 14 days however.

Japan’s Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, making the announcement at a press conference in the Japanese capital said “Japan hopes to both prevent the spread the coronavirus and recover business activities.”

“Through the easing of (restrictions and activities by) foreign companies in Japan are expected to recover, while reciprocal investment (projects) that have been stalled (by the pandemic) will be promoted,” Mr. Motegi added.

The minister himself travelled to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar last month prior to making the announcement, which takes the total number of nations with which Japan has agreed the measure to seven; long-term residents from Thailand and Vietnam are already allowed to travel to Japan.

Japanese policy towards the post-COVID era is currently aimed at putting the economy first and foremost with the recent move seen as the first step before allowing in those on short business trips, later foreign students studying in Japan, and eventually tourists.