Requirement to Apply for Visa in Country of Nationality
- Applicants must secure a Japanese visa in the country where they hold nationality.
- Visa applications filed in a third country, other than the applicant’s nationality country, are generally not accepted.
- Example: A Filipino national must apply for a Japanese visa in the Philippines, not in other countries such as Hong Kong.
Enforcement Measures on Visa Issuance Policy
- Japanese Embassies abroad are instructed by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strictly implement this policy.
- The policy is strictly enforced, particularly for certain categories such as Filipino performing artists.
Consequences for Non-compliance
- Filipino principals attempting to circumvent the policy by securing visas through third countries are under investigation.
- Measures include watchlisting principals, deporting Filipino performing artists who enter Japan through irregular channels, and investigating Philippine licensed agencies involved.
- These actions are coordinated between the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Japanese Immigration Office.
Legal and Diplomatic Implications
- The policy underscores the need for adherence to proper visa application procedures to maintain diplomatic and immigration order.
- It reflects coordinated efforts between Japanese authorities and Philippine agencies to regulate the influx of foreign nationals, especially performing artists, into Japan.