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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Japan begins mandatory TB screening for visitors staying over 3-months
TOKYO: Japan on Monday introduced mandatory pre-arrival tuberculosis (TB) screening for foreign nationals planning to stay in the country for more than three months, starting with those from the Philippines and Nepal, a government official said. Kyodo News Agency reported that Vietnam is expected to be added to the list in September, followed by Indonesia, Myanmar and China. The number of foreign nationals diagnosed with the infectious disease while in Japan has been rising, with most cases involving individuals from the six countries, according to the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry. The screening requirement will initially apply to citizens who normally reside in the Philippines and Nepal and plan to stay in Japan on a mid- to long-term basis. Travellers will be required to provide proof that they are not infected with TB before arrival or risk being denied entry. While TB is both curable and preventable, it killed an estimated 1.25 million people in 2023 and is likely to have regained its position as the world's deadliest infectious disease after briefly being overtaken by COVID-19, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In Japan, the number of TB cases fell below 10 per 100,000 people for the first time in 2021, reaching 9.2 and placing the country in the WHO's low-incidence category. The rate declined further to 8.1 in 2023, according to the latest data from the health ministry. — BERNAMA
The Star
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
QuickCheck: Is Japan implementing a 'Bachelor Tax' in 2026?
With the birth rate in Japan hitting rock bottom in recent years, the government there has been introducing measures to encourage singletons to find their significant other. But does this actually include a tax on the unmarried? IN THE age of digital misinformation, rumours can spread like wildfire, leaving many to question their validity. Recently, claims have emerged on social media stating that Japan plans to introduce a "Bachelor Tax" in 2026. Is there any truth to the claim that Japan is implementing a tax specifically targeting unmarried people? Verdict: FALSE The rumour that Japan is introducing a "Bachelor Tax" in 2026 is unfounded and stems from a misunderstanding. The term "Bachelor Tax" does not appear in any official Japanese government documents, and there is no policy imposing extra taxes on individuals simply because they are unmarried. The confusion arises from a legitimate government programme launching in April 2026, known as the "Child and Child-Rearing Support Fund." This initiative is part of Japan's strategy to address its declining birthrate and support families. The Japanese Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry first suggested the idea in a report released way back in 1999. It involves a small additional contribution added to public health insurance premiums, shared among all working adults, regardless of marital status. The funds will support family-related services such as daycare facilities and preschool services. The claim gained traction due to sensational headlines and misunderstanding of policy details. However, the support fund is not a punitive measure but rather a collective effort to strengthen the next generation's foundation. Japan is facing significant demographic challenges, including a low birthrate and a growing elderly population. The 2026 support fund is one of many strategies to encourage family growth and support. This initiative is not a punishment for singles but a shared responsibility to invest in the nation's future. In conclusion, there is no "Bachelor Tax" being introduced in Japan. The new policy is a social support mechanism for all working adults, aimed at reversing the birth rate trend and supporting families. References: 1. articles/15158511 2. english/wp/wp-hw/vol1/p2c5s2. html#:~:text=To%20promote% 20carefully%20designed% 20child%20rearing%20support% 20that,is%20used%20as% 20subsidies%20given%20to% 20private%20organizations .
