Japan sets financial, humanitarian criteria for relief from Oct. visa fee hike
Japan's immigration agency has established criteria for fee reductions regarding the upcoming visa cost hikes, though critics argue the guidelines are too restrictive. Exemptions are limited, and most asylum seekers will likely not qualify for the reduced rates.
Why it matters
The narrow scope of fee relief highlights ongoing tensions between Japan's immigration policy and humanitarian support organizations.
TOKYO - Japan's immigration agency said Tuesday that foreigners who meet criteria for financial hardship and humanitarian consideration will be eligible for fee cuts when visa application and renewal charges are hiked from Oct. 1.
The guidelines announced by the Immigration Services Agency, however, will likely exclude most asylum seekers as the criteria require them to be recipients of government assistance for those in severe financial hardship.
Refugee support organizations have criticized the eligibility for the fee reduction as "too narrow."
Among the fee hikes, the cost of a one-year visa will be raised to 33,000 yen ($200) while a visa of five years or more will be set at 75,000 yen, up sharply from the current flat rate of 6,000 yen for changes to residence status and renewals. The fee for permanent residency permission will be hiked to 200,000 yen from 10,000 yen.
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