Japan mulls extending visa waiver

Given the growing concern that it will finish in the following year, Japan will look into expanding its tourist visa program.

Maris Sangiampongsa, the foreign secretary, and Yoko Kamikawa, their equivalent, met in Tokyo on Wednesday to discuss the matter.

Trade and investment ties apparently predominated during their discussions.

Also on the plan was the card cancellation program. Since 2013, Japan has been exempt from immigration requirements for Thai travelers and business for 15 days. This has been a punitive and transitory measure that has been extended every three years until 2025.

Overstayers, nevertheless, have expressed concern it might be cancelled next month.

During the course of their efforts to address the issue of overstayers, Ms. Kamikawa has officially agreed to consider extending the exemption.