Japan to ban travellers who skip paying medical bills
Japan plans to deny entry to foreign tourists who have previously not settled medical bills during visits to Japan.
A cabinet meeting drew up a new policy to crack down on unpaid medical fees for visiting tourists and also unpaid health care premiums for foreign workers and foreign exchange students.
Foreign tourists who outstanding medical fees will be denied entry.
Also, it will reject visa extensions for foreigners working in Japan who have not paid national health care premiums.
The government drew up new policy rules for foreign residents and visitors.
However, there are no specific details on how it will be implemented yet
“If our current systems are unable to address the realities of globalization and fail to dispel public anxiety, then drastic reforms must be undertaken,” said Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
“We will make sure to consider the rights of foreign nationals are ensured and provide necessary support so they won’t be isolated in our country,” Ishiba added.
“But we will take strict measures for those who don’t follow the rules.”
Also companies that employ foreign workers and don’t pay the required social insurance premiums will be penalised.
This includes tourism related businesses.
Foreign nationals who live and work in Japan at least three months are required to join the national health care program.
Foreign exchange students must also join the national health care program.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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