Following the recent announcement regarding the visa waiver for Qatari passport holders wishing to travel to Japan, Qataris have welcomed the move and many are planning travelling to the East Asian country.
The Peninsula spoke to a few Qatari citizens who intend to travel to Japan. Some are travelling for business while others plan to explore the country.
“This will be a great opportunity for both Japan and Qatar as we appreciate different things about each others’ cultures and also have a great economic relationship,” said Ahmad Al Ziyarah, an entrepreneur.
Travelling for business-related opportunities to expand and grow connections in the Middle East and Asia, he said: “This will deepen our ties and will give us the opportunity to learn about each other and benefit from both countries.”
According to United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade in 2021, Qatar’s Imports from Japan amounted to $909.52m, while Qatar’s exports to Japan reached $11.84bn. Numerous Qatari citizens grasped opportunities to benefit from investing in Japan.
“I have been introduced to a CEO of a software company in Japan who is looking to grow and expand in the Middle East,” said Al Ziyarah.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 unfolded numerous opportunities for many Qataris including Al Ziyarah in terms of business enhancements.
Highlighting the opportunity provided by Qatar 2022, he said: “I actually met this connection because of the World Cup and I doubt that I was the only one. I believe that it has brought many opportunities with it and I am happy about it.”
Noting Japan’s resilient economy and traditions encouraging several businessmen to reside in the country, Al Ziyarah added: “I chose Japan because I like their culture and work ethic, and also they have a strong brand.”
Meanwhile, the visa waiver procedures also enable Qataris to enter Japan for leisure purposes. Abdullah, a potential investor travelling for leisure, said: “I am thrilled to travel to Japan as I’ve come to know about its well-maintained tourism sector and how beautiful the country is."
Abdullah said: “This is going to be my first time and I can’t wait to explore Tokyo and try some of the well-known Japanese cuisines.”
Having various advantages offered for business entities and representatives to work in Japan, Abdullah said, “Qatar and Japan, as we speak, are really stronger in terms of bilateral and trade relations and in the years to come, it will increase even more.
“Some of the best facilities in Japan attract so many people from across the globe including me to visit and also potentially invest in the country.”
The visa waiver procedures that commenced on April 2, 2023, were announced by Japanese Authorities based on a few procedures required for all Qatari citizens. The report also highlighted that those who plan to stay in Japan for over 30 consecutive days or business purposes would require a pre-entry visa.
