Re-Entry Japan: A blog About The New Immigration Procedure For Non-Japanese
With Japan’s strict new airport immigration system set to begin this week, a group of bloggers has launched Re-Entry Japan, a blog that focuses on the issues surrounding Japan’s biometric fingerprinting of all foreigners entering the country. Check it out and add it to your bookmarks & RSS feed readers!
In related news, the New York Times has run a scathing article about the immigration system, quoting business leaders who believe it will drive international businessmen away from Japan:
Some of the most vocal critics have been among foreign business leaders, who say the screening could hurt Japan’s standing as an Asian business center, especially if it is inefficiently carried out, leading to long waits at airports. Business groups here warn that such delays could make Japan less attractive than rival commercial hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore, where entry procedures are much easier.
The business groups also contend that the screening runs counter to recent efforts by the government to attract more foreign investment and tourism.
“If businessmen based here have to line up for two hours every time they come back from traveling, it will be a disaster,” said Jakob Edberg, policy director in the Tokyo office of the European Business Council. “This will affect real business decisions, like whether to base here.”
[Hat tip to Thomas]
