QuestionsQuestions (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 40, S. 1995)
To ensure strict observance of Japan’s visa issuance policy by requiring Filipinos (including performing artists) to apply for Japanese visas in the country where they are nationals, and to inform stakeholders of Japan’s refusal to process applications filed in third countries.
Securing a Japanese visa must be done in the country where the applicant is a national; if a Filipino files in a third country (e.g., Japan visa application made in Hong Kong), the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in that third country will refuse to accept it.
The Japanese Embassy in Hong Kong would advise the applicant to apply in the Philippines and would refuse to accept the visa application filed there.
Because Japan’s strict observance policy was being emphasized particularly for Filipino performing artists, who may be targeted for entry attempts via third countries.
It addresses attempts by some Japanese principals to bring Filipino performing artists into Japan by routing visa applications through a third country, contrary to Japan’s required visa application venue policy.
They are addressing the attempts through watchlisting of the concerned principals, deportation of the Filipino performing artists, and investigation of the Philippine-licensed agency.
It implies that the principals will be identified and monitored by relevant authorities due to suspected violations or irregularities in facilitating the entry of Filipino performing artists.
Deportation of the Filipino performing artists.
It suggests that Philippine-licensed agencies may be investigated for involvement in or facilitation of improper visa processing or non-compliance with visa and deployment rules.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
To underline that Japanese embassies/consulates must consistently implement Japan’s visa application venue policy, and that deviations or attempts to circumvent it—especially for performing artists—will be dealt with.
Filipinos must apply for the Japanese visa in the Philippines (the country where they are nationals), not in a third country.
It was adopted on 05 July 1995 by Felicisimo O. Joson, Jr., Administrator.
By stating that attempts are being addressed by the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Immigration Office of Japan, including watchlisting, deportation, and investigations.
They must apply in the Philippines; applications made in a third country where they are not nationals will be refused by the Japanese embassy/consulate.
They should return to the Philippines or otherwise ensure the visa application is filed in the Philippines, since filing in a third country will be refused under Japan’s policy.