Policy on where visas must be applied
- Japanese visa processing is governed by a standing policy of all Japanese Embassies and Consulates worldwide.
- Securing a Japanese visa must be done in the country where the applicant is a national.
- When a Filipino applies for a Japanese visa in a third country—e.g., a Filipino applies in the Japanese Embassy in Hong Kong—the Japanese Embassy in that third country must advise the Filipino applicant to apply in the Philippines.
- The Japanese Embassy in the third country must refuse to accept the visa application filed by the Filipino in that third country.
Instructions from Japan and heightened focus
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan issues instructions to all its representative offices abroad to strictly observe the policy on the place of application.
- The circular emphasizes strict observance especially for visa applications of Filipino performing artists.
Enforcement actions on attempts via third country
- Attempts by some Japanese Principals to enter Filipino performing artists into Japan through a third country are being addressed through coordinated enforcement measures.
- The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Immigration Office of Japan address these attempts through watchlisting of the concerned principals.
- The enforcement response includes deportation of the Filipino performing artists.
- The enforcement response includes investigation of the Philippine licensed agency involved.
Implementation and effect on relevant parties
- The circular requires strict observance of the Japanese visa issuance policy by relevant parties handling visa applications involving Filipinos, including Filipino performing artists.
- The circular functions as a directive for compliance, grounded on Japan’s instruction to foreign representative offices and the Japanese Embassy’s Manila advisory.
- The circular includes a notification purpose for information regarding Japan’s visa issuance policy and its strict application.