Japan consulate to limit visa issuance in Cebu, Davao

Starting July 30, the Japan consular offices in Cebu and Davao will no longer accept direct applications for visas except for diplomatic or official purposes. In a statement on its website (www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp), the Japanese Embassy said the decision stemmed from a recent overall review of visa application procedures. “From the date onward, the Consulate-General of Japan at Manila as well as the consular offices in Cebu and Davao, will no longer accept direct visa applications by applicants," it said. All visa applications except for some instances must be made at the Consulate-General of Japan at Manila through the agencies accredited by the Consulate-General, it said. The exceptions include diplomatic or official visas; visas for invitees by the Japanese government organization/ institution, independent administrative agencies of Japan (such as JICA and JBIC etc.); and visas for scholarship awardees sponsored by the government of Japan. The Japanese Embassy also said that under the new procedure, there may be cases where applicants be requested to appear in person for an interview to the designated consulate or consular offices. For cases requiring humanitarian consideration, applicants are advised to have prior consultation with the Consulate or the consular offices in advance. It said further questions may be directed to the Consulate-General of Japan at Manila at telephone 02-834-7508, fax 02-551-5785, or e-mail at ryoji@japanembassy.ph. - GMANews.TV