If you have an outstanding medical bill in Japan you might be refused entry next time you try to get back into the country.
Japan plans to deny entry to foreign tourists who have not settled medical bills during previous visits to Japan.
A cabinet meeting last week 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, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.
The government also plans to reject visa extensions for foreigners working in Japan who have not paid national healthcare premiums.
There are no specific details on how the rules will be implemented.
“If our current systems are unable to address the realities of globalisation and fail to dispel public anxiety, then drastic reforms must be undertaken,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said.
“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.
“But we will take strict measures for those who don’t follow the rules.”
Companies that employ foreign workers and don’t pay the required social insurance premiums will also 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 healthcare program.
Image: PJ Endrinal, Scop.io
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