Lori Meadows
Japan has been closed to international students for almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, the Japanese government announced that it would begin relaxing border restrictions for international students, technical interns, and businesspeople. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant led to tightened border controls once again. On 1 March 2022, Japan eased border restrictions, allowing 5,000 travellers per day into the country, including international students. While this is a positive step, international students have expressed disappointment as they are not prioritised for entry, and it is estimated that only a small proportion of the 150,000 visa-holding students will be able to return to Japan soon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of opening borders | November 2021 (announced), March 2022 |
| Number of travellers allowed per day | 5,000 |
| Quarantine period | 14 days (unvaccinated), 10 days (vaccinated) |
| Students' concerns | Delay in studies, taking online courses, uncertainty |
| Previous number of international students | 312,214 (2019) |
| Number of students with visas unable to enter Japan | 147,000<co:3,17>-150,000</co:3,17> |
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What You'll Learn
- International students' disappointment with the Japanese government's cautious approach
- The impact of the pandemic on Japan's reputation as a study destination
- Universities' concerns about the reopening process and the potential for a public backlash
- The economic impact of long-term entrance restrictions
- The timeline for international students' return to Japan
International students' disappointment with the Japanese government's cautious approach
Japan's prolonged border closure has negatively impacted the lives of international students, causing disappointment and frustration with the Japanese government's cautious approach.
International students have been barred from entering Japan since January 2021 as part of the government's strategy to lower COVID-19 infections. While the government announced plans to relax restrictions in November 2021, these were postponed due to concerns over the Omicron variant, further extending the period of uncertainty for students. The cautious approach has resulted in a significant decline in confidence among international students, with many expressing disappointment and mental health struggles due to the prolonged nature of the border closure.
The Japanese government's cautious approach has had several negative consequences for international students. Firstly, it has caused significant disruptions to their academic plans, with some students experiencing financial losses and the disappointment of having their studies delayed or cancelled. Secondly, the uncertainty surrounding the border reopening has led to a decline in Japan's reputation as a study destination among overseas students. This may impact the country's ability to attract talented individuals in the future. Additionally, the strict border policies have resulted in only a small number of government-sponsored international students being permitted to enter Japan, leaving the majority of privately-supported students with no choice but to remain in their home countries and continue their studies online.
International students have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the Japanese government's cautious approach. Davide Rossi, founder of EducationIsNotTourism.com, has been advocating for the return of international students to Japan. He highlighted the damage caused by months of uncertainty, stating that "confidence in the government is beginning to wane." Rossi also conducted a survey that found almost 85% of respondents reported a decline in their mental health due to the border closure, urging the government to stop considering international students a major threat in its fight against the pandemic.
The cautious approach has also impacted Japan's economy and exchange programs. Atsuo Hamada, a professor at Tokyo Medical University, stated that long-term entrance restrictions would significantly affect the domestic economy. Furthermore, the prolonged entry restrictions are disrupting Japan's exchange programs with institutions in other countries.
In conclusion, the Japanese government's cautious approach to opening its borders has led to disappointment and frustration among international students. The prolonged border closure has caused academic disruptions, mental health struggles, and a decline in Japan's reputation as a study destination. While the government aims to lower COVID-19 infections, its cautious approach has had negative consequences for international students and the country's economy and exchange programs.
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The impact of the pandemic on Japan's reputation as a study destination
Japan's reputation as a study destination for overseas students has been impacted by the pandemic and its border closure policies. In 2021, Japan was the only G7 country that did not allow international students to enter, with approximately 147,000 students affected by the border closures. This has led to a decline in the country's attractiveness as a study destination, with students and parents becoming optimistic about the loosening of restrictions.
Prior to the pandemic, Japan was a popular study destination, with around 120,000 overseas students visiting the country each year. In 2019, the number of international students in Japan peaked at 312,214. However, since the pandemic began, Japan has implemented strict border controls to limit the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions have prevented most foreign nationals, including international students, from entering the country. As of October 2021, around 370,000 foreign nationals with pre-certification for residency status were unable to enter Japan due to these border procedures.
The Japanese government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with students expressing a lack of confidence in the government's ability to manage the pandemic and its impact on international students. The uncertainty caused by the constantly changing border policies has also affected students' plans, with some opting to pursue studies in other countries that have reopened their borders.
The pandemic has also impacted the financial situation of international students in Japan. A comparative study between the USA and Japan found that the majority of international students in both countries faced financial difficulties due to a loss or decrease in part-time jobs, a decrease in scholarships, and disruption of remittances. Additionally, 87% of respondents in Japan who had planned to find employment in the country changed their plans due to a decrease in job opportunities caused by the pandemic.
The Japanese government has recognized the need to reopen borders and has announced plans to gradually ease restrictions for international students, technical interns, and businesspeople. However, the process of returning to Japan for international students will be gradual and managed, with universities expected to "manage their behaviour" and report to the government on safety protocols to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread. While this is a positive step, there are still concerns about a potential public backlash against international students if COVID-19 infections rise following their return.
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Universities' concerns about the reopening process and the potential for a public backlash
As of November 2021, Japan's government was expected to announce new border measures to allow the entry of international students, ending a period of uncertainty for thousands of them. However, universities were concerned about the reopening process and the potential for a public backlash.
Universities in Japan were eager to welcome international students back to campus. However, they were also aware of the potential risks involved in the reopening process. The return of international students would mean an increase in travel and social interactions, which could potentially lead to a rise in COVID-19 infections. To mitigate this risk, universities would need to implement and enforce strict safety protocols, such as social distancing, hygiene, sanitation, ventilation, and contact tracing.
Another concern for universities was the potential for a public backlash if COVID-19 infections increased following the return of international students. There was a fear that the public might blame the presence of international students for any rise in infections, leading to negative sentiments towards the student population. This could potentially create a hostile environment for international students and impact the overall student experience.
To address these concerns, universities were expected to play a proactive role in managing the behaviour of their students and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. They would also need to maintain open communication with the government and the public about the steps being taken to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. By being transparent and accountable, universities could help alleviate fears and potentially reduce the likelihood of a public backlash.
Furthermore, universities were also faced with the challenge of supporting the mental health and well-being of their international students, who had endured prolonged periods of uncertainty and online learning. Providing adequate resources and services to assist students in transitioning back to campus life and ensuring their overall well-being was another critical aspect of the reopening process.
While the reopening of borders was a positive step towards normalcy, universities in Japan had to carefully navigate the concerns and potential challenges associated with the return of international students during the pandemic. By implementing safety measures, communicating effectively, and supporting the well-being of their students, they could work towards a successful reopening while minimising the risk of a public backlash.
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The economic impact of long-term entrance restrictions
Japan has been closed to international students for almost a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the country announced in November 2021 that it would gradually begin opening its borders, it closed its borders again at the end of November 2021 due to concerns over the Omicron variant. As a result of these long-term entrance restrictions, Japan's reputation as a study destination among overseas students is dwindling, which may impact its capacity to attract talented individuals in the future.
Before the pandemic, approximately 120,000 overseas students visited Japan each year. However, due to the border restrictions, the number of international students in Japan has decreased significantly. In 2019, there were 312,214 international students studying in Japan, but as of January 2021, international students have been barred from entering the country. This has resulted in a significant economic impact, as international students contribute to the country's economy through tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses.
The long-term entrance restrictions have also affected the Japanese education sector. Universities in Japan have reported plummeting enrollment rates, which has led to slower economic growth. The decline in the number of international students has exacerbated this issue, as they make up a significant portion of the student population in Japan. Additionally, the restrictions have caused uncertainty and damaged the confidence of international students in the Japanese government.
The Japanese government has recognized the potential economic impact of long-term entrance restrictions. Atsuo Hamada, a professor at Tokyo Medical University, stated that "long-term entrance restrictions would have a significant impact on the domestic economy." The government intends to gradually remove border controls, but it remains cautious about fully reopening its borders to international students.
The economic impact of the entrance restrictions extends beyond the education sector. Japan has the third-largest economy in the world, yet it has not been successful in attracting many professionals from overseas. The restrictions have limited the mobility of highly skilled individuals, particularly in the science and technology sectors, which could have further economic ramifications.
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The timeline for international students' return to Japan
Japan has been closed to international students since January 2021 as part of the country's strategy to lower COVID-19 infections. In November 2021, the Japanese government announced that it would begin relaxing border restrictions for international students, technical interns, and businesspeople. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant delayed these plans, with the country closing its borders once again on November 30, 2021.
In February 2022, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that Japan would gradually ease border restrictions, allowing 5,000 travellers per day into the country starting on March 1, 2022. This decision was based on expert opinions that the Omicron variant's impact in Japan had peaked and was on the decline. While this was encouraging news, international students were not prioritised for entry, and it was acknowledged that it would take time for the significant number of visa-holding students stranded outside the country to be able to return.
International students with residence permits between January 2020 and March 2020 were initially expected to be allowed to apply to enter Japan in November 2021, with those who received permits after March 2020 able to apply from December 2021. However, with the border restrictions still in place, these plans were delayed. It was estimated that it could take at least a month for the first overseas students to reach Japan, and there were concerns about a possible public backlash if COVID-19 infections increased after their return.
Universities and language schools in Japan began encouraging students to prepare their applications to enter the country as early as April 2022. While there was optimism among parents and students, there was also uncertainty due to the lack of details on how the planned reopening would be implemented. As of March 2022, Japan has started to gradually open its borders, but it is still too early to determine when most international students will be able to return to the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Japan has started to gradually open its borders to international students as of November 2021, with the process expected to take at least a month.
International students entering Japan must quarantine for 14 days if unvaccinated and for 10 days if vaccinated. They will also need to have received pre-approval and will be treated in the same way as businesspeople, technical interns, and Japanese citizens/residents.
The Japanese government's strict COVID-19 border restrictions have prevented most international students from entering the country since January 2020, causing uncertainty and disappointment among those wishing to study in Japan. The government has faced pressure to relax these restrictions, with concerns raised about the potential impact on Japan's reputation as a study destination and the domestic economy.
