Stringent DOLI regulations hamper Japan’s company-sponsored tours

The Northern Marianas may just lose the huge market of Japanese company group tours due to the strict policy imposed by the Department of Labor and Immigration which makes it difficult for foreign nationals working in Japan to participate in company-sponsored trips.

Under the current set-up, foreign nationals who are included in the CNMI immigration watch list but employed in various companies in Japan could not immediately join company-paid tours to Northern Marianas because they have to comply with a number of requirements.

DOLI has the entry of nationals from 10 countries considered high risks, such as Russia, Bangladesh and the People’s Republic of China. Citizens from these countries who are employed in Japan are required to submit copies of work permit, contract or certificate of employment.

Instead of merely providing plane tickets and fixing the accommodation of their clients, tour agencies are burdened with an additional task of submitting these requirements to DOLI so that these nationals can get a visa or a temporary entry permit. Processing of request for the issuance of an entry permit takes several days, usually depending on how fast the department has evaluated the documents.

On top of this, tour agencies are held responsible for their activities by making sure that their guests do not run away, commit crimes or get into any traffic accident.

“If we do not guarantee, the CNMI will not issue the needed travel permit,” said Koki Narita, general manager of Tasi Tours. According to Norita, the local government’s policy might push Japanese companies to look for alternatives such as Guam or Hawaii. “It makes organizing company tours difficult for us,” he said.

Japanese tour operators, who are members of the Japan-Marianas Tourism Club, recently discussed the possibility of amending the procedure with DOLI Secretary Mark Zachares, Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan and Marianas Visitors Authority board chairman Dave M. Sablan.

During the meeting, Sablan recommended the possibility of turning over the responsibility of gathering the required travel documents from such visitors who would be coming from Japan to the MVA office in Tokyo, which will also act as the liaison office.

Zachares has pledged to review the policy and discuss how such changes can be made with the Attorney General’s Office.