TOKYO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Immigration Services Agency said on Friday that foreigners trying to renew their period of stay here will be granted an extension amid increased numbers flocking to immigration bureaus nationwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Immigration Services Agency, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice, said it will extend the deadline for foreigners renewing their period of stay by three months, in a bid to cut down the congestion at counters.
Foreigners whose status is due to expire between March and June are eligible for the extension, which is also applicable to those staying in Japan on a short-term basis.
Those who have been flooding immigration bureaus across the country have included foreigners unable to return to their home countries due to stricter border restrictions being imposed globally.
Tourists here who were only planning a short trip initially, need to apply for their stay to be officially extended, and, as with other foreigners who overstay their status, would ordinarily be treated as illegal overstayers.
This will not be the case for those unable to return to their home countries for a period of 90 days after their visas expire, the agency said.
