Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 40, S. 1995)
The primary policy is that Filipino nationals must apply for their Japanese visa in the Philippines, where they are nationals, and not in a third country.
The Japanese Embassy in the third country will advise the Filipino to apply for a visa in the Philippines and will refuse to accept the application.
Filipino performing artists are specifically mentioned as being affected by the strict visa issuance policy.
Actions include watchlisting the concerned principals, deportation of the Filipino performing artists involved, and investigation of the Philippine licensed agency.
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Immigration Office of Japan are involved in addressing these violations.
Non-compliance can lead to visa refusal, deportation, and investigation which may harm the Filipino national’s ability to work in Japan and the legitimacy of the licensed Philippine agency involved.
The memorandum circular governs the strict observance of the Japanese visa issuance policy by Filipino nationals, in particular regarding employment and performing artists going to Japan.
Felicisimo O. Joson, Jr. is the administrator who signed the memorandum.
It serves as a directive that Philippine licensed agencies must ensure compliance with visa applications processes to avoid investigations and penalties for violating the Japanese visa issuance policy.