Previously, a firm in Tokyo welcomed three new employees from Vietnam after a four-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Three employees were originally due to join the company in June after graduating from university in Vietnam.

Three Vietnamese employees entered Japan Photo: NHK

Japan eased entry restrictions for foreign nationals, including students and business people, but excluding tourists. Those travelers must be accepted by entities or organizations capable of ensuring they have tested negative for the virus before entering Japan. After arrival, they have to stay in self-isolation for 14 days and avoid using public transportation during the period.

The government is considering limiting the number of entries to about 1,000 each day. At the same time, it will increase virus testing capacity at airports, government sources said earlier.

Expatriates and other long-term residents have been allowed to come from some Asian countries, including Vietnam and Thailand. Foreign students on government grants can also enter the country.