Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition calling for a review of newly tightened Japanese business visa requirements, as a video of an emotional speech by an Indian restaurant owner spread widely online.
The rule was revised late last year, requiring applicants to have ￥30 million (US$190,000) in capital, up from ￥5 million, due to concerns that the system was being abused. However, campaigners say the new rule could force out long-time residents, and the petition highlighted the plight of foreign restaurant owners in particular.
“My children only speak Japanese... and we’re told to go back to India,” Manish Kumar, who has lived in Japan for 30 years, said at a gathering about the visa issue on Wednesday.
His business manager visa was not renewed last year, the Asahi Shimbun reported.
“I’ve worked hard to get this far thanks to the support” from fellow chefs and customers, Kumar said.
