Japan issued a record number of visas to foreigners in 2016. In the same year, double the number of Chinese people were granted multiple entry visas to Japan.
The Foreign Ministry says embassies and consulates issued about 5.38 million visas last year. That’s nearly a 13 percent rise compared to the previous year’s total.
Chinese visitors accounted for 78 percent of the total, followed by those from the Philippines and Indonesia.
About 300,000 multiple entry visas were issued to Chinese travelers. That’s nearly a 100 percent increase from the previous year.
Japan has been gradually easing requirements for multiple entry visas issued for Chinese over the past few years.
Some income and job requirements have been relaxed. Documents required for the application process and other administrative procedures have also been eased.
Foreign ministry officials say easier application requirements and an increase in the number of flights may have contributed to the record number of visas.
Source and image: NHK
Join the Conversation