Japan considers visa requirement for Turkish passport holders

Japan is currently considering the implementation of a visa requirement for Turkish passport holders in response to growing concerns about system abuse. This move comes amid rising tensions between members of Türkiye’s Kurdish minority and local residents in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, which has drawn attention to the country’s refugee system.

The issue has become a part of the larger debate in Japanese social media and in the news.

With increasing exploitation of Japan’s current visa-exempt policy, government officials are now exploring solutions to prevent further misuse, including the proposal that Turkish visitors—regardless of the length of stay—obtain a visa before entering Japan.

This proposal serves as a potential intermediary option between continuing the current visa exemption and suspending it entirely.

Japan prepares for ‘visa recommendation measure’

The issue first surfaced in January during discussions in Japan’s National Diet. Government officials have made it clear that they will carefully consider the proposed measure, as it could serve as a temporary solution while addressing the broader challenges presented by the current system.

As it stands, Turkish citizens can enter Japan without a visa for short stays, a policy that has been criticized because of its exploitation by some individuals seeking employment rather than refugee status. While their claims are processed, these individuals can remain in Japan for extended periods, which has led to a rise in unauthorized workers.

The new proposal dubbed the “visa recommendation measure,” is designed to encourage visitors from countries in a similar manner as Türkiye, which currently enjoys visa exemptions, to apply for a visa prior to arrival. This measure would apply to short stays of up to 90 days.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan explained that those who do not adhere to this recommendation could face strict checks upon arrival and may even be denied entry. The goal is to reduce the exploitation of Japan’s refugee system, which is seen by many as being taken advantage of by foreign nationals who are more interested in employment opportunities than asylum.

More moderate approach to the situation also proposed

In 2023, Türkiye was the only country in the top 10 nationalities of people applying for refugee status in Japan whose citizens were not required to obtain a visa beforehand. This unique exemption has contributed to a rise in the number of Turkish citizens entering the country for work, using the refugee system to bypass immigration controls.

This situation has prompted calls for the revocation of Türkiye’s visa exemption entirely. Japan has previously revoked visa exemptions for other countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan in 1989 and Iran in 1992, following a rise in unauthorized workers from these nations. After these measures were introduced, illegal employment in these countries reportedly decreased significantly.

The idea of revoking Türkiye’s visa exemption entirely has gained traction, but some have suggested a more moderate approach. During a budget subcommittee session in the Japanese parliament on Feb. 27, Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Akihisa Shiozaki raised the possibility of implementing the Visa Recommendation Measure as a temporary policy rather than a permanent one.

“Japan had previously implemented the Visa Recommendation Measure for certain countries rather than revoking visa exemptions altogether,” Shiozaki noted, citing examples from South America, such as Peru (since 1995) and Colombia (since 2004). He suggested Japan might consider this approach for Türkiye, offering a temporary solution until more permanent systems, like JESTA, are put in place.

In line with this proposal, Japan’s Ministry of Justice is preparing to introduce a new electronic travel authorization system, known as JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is expected to be operational by 2030.

Shiozaki proposed that the Visa Recommendation Measure be enacted as a temporary policy for a five-year period until the new JESTA system is fully implemented.

The JESTA system is expected to streamline and strengthen Japan’s immigration controls by providing a more efficient method for tracking travelers before their arrival.

Maintaining good relations with Türkiye

In response to Shiozaki’s proposal, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto reiterated the government’s position of maintaining good relations with Türkiye. Matsumoto emphasized that there was no immediate need to suspend the visa exemption, but acknowledged the importance of carefully considering the proposal.

“We must assess the significance and effectiveness of the Visa Recommendation Measure,” he said, adding that Japan would consult with Türkiye on the matter to ensure a mutually beneficial solution.

The proposal to implement a visa recommendation measure for Türkiye reflects Japan’s ongoing concerns over its immigration and refugee systems. Japan currently grants short-term visa exemptions to about 70 countries, and this measure has been applied selectively in the past. Peru and Colombia, for instance, are subject to this measure because of concerns over unauthorized labor, though Peru is expected to have the measure lifted soon.

Türkiye enjoys Japan’s visa-free rights, rooted in deep bond

While Turkish passport holders hold many obstacles to receiving visas, particularly to countries in Europe or North America, Japan’s provision of visa-free travel has long been considered a move that received a warm welcome from Türkiye and the thousands of Turkish citizens who have visited Japan.

Relations between Türkiye and Japan have a long and enduring history, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. The foundation of their friendship dates back to the 1890 Ertugrul Frigate incident, when the Ottoman ship sank off the coast of Wakayama, Japan, after visiting the Meiji Emperor.

The Japanese people’s kindness toward the survivors, providing them with care and hospitality, is remembered as a symbol of the enduring bond between the two nations.

Over the years, their relationship has flourished, highlighted by significant events and shared efforts. During the Iran-Iraq War in 1985, a Turkish Airlines flight evacuated Japanese nationals from Tehran, Iran, further solidifying their strong ties.

The two countries have also collaborated on major infrastructure projects, such as the second Bosphorus Bridge and the Marmaray Metro Tunnel. They have also provided support for each other in times of crisis, providing disaster relief during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2023 earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye.