Japan's entry ban keeps Indonesian, Filipino workers in limbo

Some patiently wait, but others raise voices against strict border controls

20220124 Narita Airport Arrival

Japan recently extended its strict entry ban, affecting even Asian people with visas for long-term work or study. (Photo by Arisa Moriyama) 

NANA SHIBATA, KOYA JIBIKI and BOBBY NUGROHO, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO/JAKARTA -- As Japan continues to impose strict entry restrictions, foreigners who have prepared to work there are being left outside ever longer, patiently waiting without losing hope, though frustrations over Tokyo's border controls are growing.

Kokorono Siji, a job training institute in Indonesia's Banten Province, prepares personnel in nursing and various other fields for work in Japan. Due to pandemic restrictions, 36 or so of its students are still waiting to enter Japan. The majority have already passed tests on the Japanese language and the "specified skilled worker" visa status for technical interns.

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