Japan Links Visa Waiver to Crime Rate

Korean short-term visitors could be allowed to travel to Japan without a visa starting March.

A source in Tokyo announced on January 17 that the Japanese government decided to launch a permanent visa waiver program for Korean short-term travelers starting March, after having extended the waiver temporarily until late February, and recently embarked on consultations with relevant ministries.

The Japanese government plans to make a final decision on the issue after consulting with the Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, and the National Police Agency when the December criminal statistics of foreigners, such as illegal residence and criminal cases, are collected.

The Tokyo Shimbun reported that the latest decision regarding the visa waiver is being considered in part due to the desire to improve Korean-Japanese relations, which have turned sour after Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s visits to Yasukuni Shrine.

Last March, the government of Japan analyzed criminal data after exempting visas for Korean travelers and business visitors on short-term trips less than 90 days ahead of Aichi Expo 2005, but reportedly found no problems with the results up to November.

In regard to this, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said, “Although the Japanese government is reviewing a visa waiver program for Koreans, we haven’t been notified of any related facts. The final outcome remains to be seen as illegal residence and criminal statistics until late last year must be studied.”

Won-Jae Park parkwj@donga.com