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Japan immigration

Japan gets ready to lift COVID-19 reentry ban on foreigners

Move comes after criticism that curbs on long-term residents hurt business

The international arrivals lobby at Tokyo's Haneda airport: Japan's efforts to block the spread of the coronavirus left long-term residents stranded abroad. (Photo by Hirofumi Yamamoto)

TOKYO -- Japan has begun preparing to allow long-term foreign residents to return to the country in September, Nikkei has learned, after facing criticism as the only Group of Seven economy to restrict their entry as a measure to prevent coronavirus infection.

A decision will be made soon by the government's coronavirus task force. Returnees will be required to take a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test and self-quarantine for 14 days -- the same rules that apply to Japanese nationals.

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