Douglas Olsen
Japan's strict COVID-19 border policies have alienated international students, researchers, professionals, and their families seeking to enter the country. Since January 2021, international students have been barred from entering Japan, resulting in a steep decline in student numbers. While the Japanese government has faced criticism for its tough stance, there is optimism that the country will gradually reopen its borders to international students. Japan initially relaxed its border restrictions in November 2021, but soon closed its borders again due to concerns over the Omicron variant. In March 2022, Japan announced that it would allow 5,000 travellers per day into the country, including international students, marking a cautious step towards welcoming back foreign students. However, the disappointment among students and advocates remains, as they seek priority entry and a commitment to reasonable border measures in the future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of border opening announcement | 1 March 2022 |
| Number of travellers allowed per day | 5,000 |
| Quarantine period for unvaccinated travellers | 14 days |
| Quarantine period for vaccinated travellers | 10 days |
| Number of international students enrolled in Japanese universities | 147,000-170,000 |
| Number of international students in Japan in 2019 | 312,214 |
| Number of international students in Japan in 2020 | 280,000 |
| Number of international students enrolled in Japanese universities who remain locked out | 147,000-150,000 |
| Number of international students allowed to enter Japan in November 2021 | 3 |
| Number of Japan's Technical Intern Training Program trainees in 2021 | Decreased by 50,000 |
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What You'll Learn
International students' disappointment at not being prioritised
International students have expressed disappointment at not being prioritised in Japan's border reopening plans. In March 2022, Japan announced it would open its borders to 5,000 travellers per day, including businesspeople, technical interns, citizens, and residents. However, with an estimated 150,000 foreign students holding visas to enter Japan, only a small proportion will be able to return soon.
Students have taken to Twitter with the hashtags #allentriesarethesame and #educationisnottourism to voice their frustration. One student from Belgium shared how many days she has waited to enter Japan. An education and science committee from Japan's Liberal Democratic Party also called on the government to prioritise international students, stating that "Japan is losing its international value" as a study destination.
The Japanese government's decision not to prioritise international students has been attributed to various factors. One concern is the potential backlash against incoming students if COVID-19 cases spike again, with the government fearing that the public might blame foreigners for bringing the virus. Additionally, Japan's health system is still overburdened by Omicron cases, limiting the country's capacity to handle a large influx of international students.
The border restrictions have had a significant impact on international student numbers in Japan. In 2019, there were over 312,000 international students in the country, but that number dropped to less than 280,000 in 2020. The strict border policies have also affected student exchange programs and the mental health of students, with some giving up on their dream of studying in Japan.
While Japan has set a deadline of 2027 to recover international student numbers, academics and student advocates have called for more certainty and reasonable border enforcement measures to be implemented. They argue that without a commitment to consistent policies, Japan will be perceived as a risky destination for students and researchers.
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Quarantine requirements upon arrival
Japan has been closed to international students since January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the country gradually began opening its borders to students in November 2021, only to close them again on November 30 out of concern over the Omicron variant.
In March 2022, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that Japan would open its borders to 5,000 travellers per day, including international students. This was to be the "first step in [the] gradual easing of restrictions", but international students were not to be prioritised for entry.
All travellers entering Japan, including international students, are subject to quarantine requirements upon arrival. The duration of quarantine depends on vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals must quarantine for 14 days, while vaccinated individuals must quarantine for 10 days.
During the quarantine period, individuals must stay at home or in a designated facility and avoid contact with others as much as possible. They may be required to download a tracking app and report their health status daily. They should also monitor their health and seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms.
Students who received residence permits between January 2020 and March 2020 were allowed to apply to enter Japan in November 2021, while those who received permits after March 2020 could apply from December 2021 onwards. However, the universities and accepting companies of incoming students are expected to "manage their behaviour" and report to the government on safety protocols to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19.
The Japanese government's decision to gradually ease border restrictions has been met with mixed reactions. While some international students and advocates express optimism and relief, others have taken to Twitter to voice their disappointment that they are not being prioritised for entry. There is also concern among academics that the country must address the uncertainty around future COVID-19 waves to avoid further damage to its reputation as a study abroad destination.
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The impact on student exchange programs
Japan's strict border control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on student exchange programs. The country, which has branded itself as "Cool Japan", has been closed to international students since January 2021, with only a brief period of reopening in November 2021 before closing again due to the Omicron variant. This has resulted in a sharp decline in the number of international students in Japan, from over 312,000 in 2019 to less than 280,000 in 2020, with an estimated 147,000-150,000 students locked out of the country.
The impact of these restrictions on student exchange programs has been profound. Firstly, there is the direct impact on the ability of students to participate in exchange programs. Many students have been unable to enter Japan, disrupting their studies and causing frustration and uncertainty. Some students have given up and switched to schools in other countries, such as South Korea, or have chosen to forego their plans to study abroad entirely. This has resulted in a decrease in enrolments and could potentially impact academic jobs in the future.
Secondly, the border restrictions have damaged Japan's reputation as a study destination. The country is now being perceived as "Cruel Japan", turning its back on those who would otherwise be its greatest advocates. This could have long-term effects on the attractiveness of Japan as a study destination, even after the border restrictions are lifted. The uncertainty and constant changes in border policies have also led to a loss of confidence in the Japanese government among international students and scholars.
Additionally, the restrictions have disrupted the operations of universities and exchange programs. Universities have had to manage the behaviour of incoming students and report to the government on safety protocols, which has placed a burden on their resources. Exchange programs have also had to adapt to the changing situation, with many students having to rely on themselves or volunteers for support during their exchange.
The border restrictions have also had economic impacts, particularly on sectors that rely on foreign workers, such as farming. Japan's rapidly ageing and shrinking population means that it will need increasing numbers of foreign workers in the future, and the border restrictions have highlighted the importance of international students and professionals to the country's economy.
Overall, the impact of Japan's border control measures on student exchange programs has been far-reaching. The restrictions have disrupted the studies and plans of international students, damaged Japan's reputation as a study destination, and impacted the operations of universities and exchange programs. While the gradual reopening of borders is a positive step, there may be long-term effects on the attractiveness of Japan as a study destination.
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The Japanese government's justification for the ban
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government has enforced strict border restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. In November 2021, Japan briefly relaxed its border restrictions, but the emergence of the Omicron variant prompted the government to reinstate stringent measures. The ban encompassed all new entries, including international students, exchange students, interns, and those travelling for business.
The Japanese government has provided several justifications for its decision to impose and uphold the border ban:
Preventing the Spread of Omicron
The primary rationale for the border ban was to prevent or delay the spread of the Omicron variant in Japan. By closing its borders, the country bought valuable time to prepare for the impending wave of infections. This decision was made amidst surging global infections and the emergence of new COVID-19 variants.
Protecting Public Health
The Japanese government has a responsibility to protect the health and safety of its citizens. With the rapid spread of Omicron and the surge in infections worldwide, the government deemed it necessary to implement strict measures to safeguard the public from the risks associated with international travel and the potential introduction of new variants.
Political Considerations
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's handling of the pandemic, particularly his tough stance on border restrictions, has been well-received by the Japanese public. Easing the restrictions amid rising COVID-19 cases could have led to a domestic backlash, especially considering that the US military was linked to the initial introduction of Omicron in Japan. Introducing alternative measures, such as lockdowns, was deemed politically challenging, possibly due to historical precedents like the 1925 Peace Preservation Law.
Managing Public Sentiment
There is a concern that the public might blame foreigners for the introduction and spread of new COVID-19 variants. The government's decision to uphold the border ban may be influenced by the potential backlash against international students and other foreign nationals if COVID-19 cases spike again.
Adhering to Infection Control Laws
Japan has strict infection control laws, such as the Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and the Infectious Diseases Control Law, which guide the government's response to public health emergencies. Upholding the border ban falls within the framework of these laws and demonstrates the government's commitment to infection control.
While the Japanese government has faced criticism from various sectors, including business leaders, scholars, and students, for the stringent border ban, it maintains that these measures are necessary to protect public health and manage the pandemic effectively.
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The mental health impact on students
Japan's border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of international students. The pandemic caused drastic changes to the normal patterns of life, including disruptions to learning, financial stability, and social activities. International students in Japan experienced heightened frustration, anxiety, and psychological distress as a result of these changes.
The transition to online learning contributed to increased psychological distress among students. The lack of academic and peer connections, reduced motivation, and dissatisfaction with online classes negatively impacted their mental well-being. Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding border restrictions and the prolonged separation from their home countries and support networks intensified feelings of homesickness, loneliness, and isolation.
The pandemic-related restrictions also had financial implications for international students, exacerbating their mental health concerns. Many students relied on income from work to fund their studies, but the pandemic resulted in job losses or reduced income due to exchange rate fluctuations. This financial instability, coupled with the fear of contracting the virus, created a perfect storm for heightened anxiety and stress among this vulnerable population.
The mental health impact of border closures on international students in Japan was also influenced by their living situations. Some students faced challenges with housing, either due to shared living arrangements or the lack of adequate space and resources for remote learning. Those living alone experienced heightened fears of isolation during the pandemic, further contributing to their mental health struggles.
The Japanese government's efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, while necessary, inadvertently affected the mental health of international students. The border closures, while aimed at lowering infection rates, resulted in a significant drop in the number of international students in the country. Universities and higher education institutions play a crucial role in supporting these students' mental health and well-being during such challenging times.
As Japan gradually reopens its borders to international students, it is essential to recognize the long-lasting impact of the pandemic on this vulnerable population. The mental health consequences of border closures, separation from home countries, and disruptions to academic and social lives should be addressed through comprehensive support services and relief strategies implemented by universities and the government.
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Frequently asked questions
Japan has started to reopen its borders to international students gradually as of 1 March 2022, allowing 5,000 travellers per day into the country. However, international students are not prioritised for entry, and only a small proportion will be able to enter.
Quarantine upon arrival is required for all travellers. Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine for 14 days, while vaccinated travellers must quarantine for 10 days.
The number of international students in Japan dropped from over 312,000 in 2019 to less than 280,000 in 2020, with an estimated 147,000-150,000 students locked out of the country.
Japan's entry ban has impacted foreign universities' participation in exchange programs with Japanese universities. International student participation in these exchange programs is likely to be affected by the ban.
