WEEKS after announcing the easing of restrictions along its borders, Japan announced it is reinstating tough border controls in light of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made the announcement that bars entry of foreigners into the country from any country around the world starting 30 November.
The order affects travelers from South Africa and neighboring countries such as Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
Japan is among countries that have shut down their borders so tight that even foreign residents were barred from reentering the country.
This was somewhat relaxed in early November when the country allowed short-term business travels, foreign students and other visa holders, but still barred tourists.