Hello Asoww,
"Lol @tomoni the Japanese communication has been reasonably clear... is this a joke ? This must be a joke right ?"
It was not intended as a joke. I think that they have been CLEAR enough in the case of students waiting for visas that everything is on hold. Because it is not the answer that students want to hear, does not mean that it is not a clear answer. They have also been "clear" on saying that they would update according to the changing situation. Again, while may not be the answer you want, it is a clear answer. Basically the "clear" answer is right now, no visas are being issued and you have to wait until the government evaluates the situation and begins issuing visas for students. That is quite clear.
I think that most students want the answer of YES you can get a visa beginning on this date. However, that answer is not going to come. The clear answer is wait.
I do empathize with you and other people whose life is in limbo cause the Japanese government will not set a hard date for issuing visas. However, their answer right now is quite clear, you have to wait. That is not a very satisfactory answer, but it is a clear one.
"The situation in my country has been under control, such as in many other countries actually....."
I am guessing according to the flag under your name that you are from France. A quick google search "Covid 19 current cases in France" brings up about 2500 new cases on July 15, and a quick wiki search claims a fatality rate of about 17.5 % (
COVID-19 pandemic in France - Wikipedia). I do not want to debate "under control" means for each country because that is not "my place" to impose my standard of safety on each country but rather stay that each country is entitled to determine what "under control" means.
"Not everyone is in the US situation."
I am not sure what you intend to suggest by that? Is it that you assume I am American and base my comments on an America-centric perspective? Or are you assuming that I am illiterate and unable to read the newspaper? I was attempting to be helpful and am a bit taken back by your response.
Japan is in the situation of Japan and that is/was the situation that I was referring to.
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I have noticed a certain lack of empathy from those who are not in our position and who may fail to see what kind of things some of us are going through".
As I have said, and the reason that I replied initially was from a perspective of empathy. I do know/recognize that on an individual basis, there is much frustration. COVID 19 is affecting people as a whole, and as individuals. So let me share let me some individual stories with you. I know of many freelance teachers who teach at home and part-time at various places that have lost much of their income. Many of them, have families, kids to feed, etc., and the while everyone appreciates the 100,000 yen that the gov't offered for support, it is not enough for many people. Japan does does have the wide social safety net that France does. Another friend opened a new Mom & Pop business last year and finally in December it became profitable. Now they are on the verge of bankruptcy. This could lead to them losing their home as well as their business.
Let me get closer to your area and talk about MEXT scholars that are already in Japan: they also received the 100,000 yen in support, while receiving their living stipend of approximately 145,000 yen per month. Japanese students on the other hand have received on a "application and needs basis" 30,000 per month for living. Many have lost her part-time jobs, many are still paying rent on apartment that they cannot vacant even though they have gone back home because all classes are on-line.
I wonder if you s
ee what kind of things some of us are going through in Japan?
I also empathize with these people and understand the position of the Japanese government to "err on the side of caution". Nobody wants to keep Japan closed, including the Japanese government.
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There are tons of articles on the JapanTimes who talk about criticisms from the international community addressed to the Japanese' administration for their lack of clear policies regarding immigrants during this crisis."
There is NOT a lot of clarity for people trying to re-enter Japan and I agree with this. My comments on clarity refer to the Student VISA situation. I very MUCH empathize with these people as without clarity for all intensive purposes, as a foreign national, I am "trapped in Japan". Meaning that if I were to leave, it is not yet perfectly clear about re-admittance under the current circumstances. I understand this situation is not easy for many people.
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The 4 months of silence of the MEXT is appealing".
MEXT is not the decision maker on Visas, and the answer is still "clear" - you have to wait. Now you may think that this is appalling, but the fact of the matter is that MEXT, and the Japanese government want MORE foreign students. However, the response of the Japanese government to prioritize the spread of COVID - 19 (although that is shifting as the economic realities are really being felt).
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but I guess thank you for replying @tomoni ."
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But, whatever."
I would suggest that before you make some obligatory half-hearted gesture of civility that you consider that many people on his forum contribute their time and effort and knowledge of Japan to:
- help newcomers to learn about Japan,
- help newcomers decide whether to come to Japan
- help newcomers and expatriates with the many challenges of expat life
- help tourists
- help people find lost relatives
- help with translations
- help students that are going through the application process, particularly MEXT scholarships
- and many other things.
You may note that the operative word is help. This site (not run by me) is not profit driven, but was started and continues to operate as a community of people who would like to help others, including donating money to support the site, on a volunteer basis.
As tempting as it is to sign off with "
But, whatever.", I will instead say that I do wish you the best and hope that you are able to get your visa and begin your studies in Japan. One of the most valuable aspects of studying and living outside of your own culture is that it gives you the opportunity to see the world and other people from a different perspective, and hopefully allows you to import positive cultural and social values into your own life.
Good luck.