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Japan’s Immigration Services Agency expanded its “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan,” increasing enforcement against overstayers and illegal work. The policy includes stronger monitoring tools and online surveillance to detect forged residency cards and track violations more effectively.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved revisions to the 60-day visa exemption scheme, pending Royal Gazette publication. Eligible travelers will generally return to 30-day visa-free stays, while bilateral agreements and limited Visa on Arrival access remain unchanged. New rules take effect 15 days after publication, with current visitors unaffected until implementation.
The EU has added Thailand to its “Visa Cascade” program, allowing eligible Thai travelers to receive multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years. The policy rewards travelers with strong compliance records and is expected to simplify applications while reducing travel costs.
Thailand plans to reduce visa-free tourist stays from 60 days back to 30 days for visitors from 93 countries. Officials say the policy was abused through overstays, illegal work and criminal activity. The proposal is expected to go to Cabinet approval soon, with implementation dates yet to be confirmed.
Indonesia is reviewing its visa-free entry policy after authorities arrested more than 500 foreigners linked to online scam and illegal gambling syndicates. Officials say many suspects entered using visa waivers or visa-on-arrival schemes, raising concerns that Southeast Asia’s largest economy is becoming a new regional cybercrime hub.
