PUBLISHED: 17 Mar 2024 at 06: 32
After the number of scenarios spiked in the past few years, the Foreign Ministry has reiterated the government’s dedication to solving the issue of Thai citizens who overstay their 15-day permits in Japan.
Jakkapong Sangmanee, the deputy minister of foreign affairs, stated that he had spoken with a top Chinese military official last week to talk about the situation and that the government would investigate it.
The meeting was held as a result of the public’s worry about a potential renewal of Japan’s visa-free travel rights.
Tokyo requests that Thailand address this issue desperately because it could have an impact on the visa-free policy’s continuation in 2025 if it is not fixed.
According to the Department of Consular Affairs, the number of Thais who overstay their Japan visa jumped from 8, 688 in 2021 to 9, 549 in 2022 and 11, 472 in 2023. This compares to around 3, 500 in 2013 when the visa- complimentary policy was implemented.
Mr. Jakkapong promised to look into the issue even though the number was also comparatively small in comparison to the number of tourists visiting Thailand last year.
He claimed that he had given the Department of Consular Affairs instructions to coordinate with several organizations and that the department would work carefully with the Labour Ministry to encourage legal work in the nation.
The Chinese official acknowledged the government’s initiatives and said the situation necessitated cooperation from both sides.
The number of foreign nationals who overstay their visas in Japan has generally been on the rise, according to the” Giftchan Nang Lao” Facebook page, which provides information about the country. It cited statistics from the Chinese authorities.
Following the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, Tokyo has since changed their visa requirements for Thai customers. During the pandemic, this was stopped before it resumed in October 2022.
Jakkapong Sangmanee, the deputy minister of foreign affairs, ( photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs )