Summary of Key Points
Japan significantly increased visa fees on July 1st, but the fee for Indian citizens is as low as approximately 40 yuan (for both single and multiple visits). This is not a unilateral act by Japan to attract Indian tourists or laborers; rather, it is the result of a bilateral agreement between the two countries. India offers lower visa fees to Japanese citizens in exchange for similar benefits from Japan. At the same time, India is very strict about visa policies: its visa system is complex, with vastly differing fees for different countries, and visas are often used as bargaining chips or diplomatic tools.
1. Japan's Lower Visa Fees for Indians: Not a "Discount," but an Exchange of Goodwill
Many people think Japan is trying to attract Indian tourists or workers, but the truth is that it's about mutual reciprocity. Simply put, if you treat me well, I will treat you well.
- India charges very low fees for Japanese citizens: A transit visa to India costs only 150 yen (about 6 yuan), and all other visas cost 1190 yen (about 50 yuan), plus an additional 18 yen in processing fees, which is much lower than the fees for citizens from other countries.
- Japan reciprocates by charging Indian citizens only 500 Indian rupees (about 36 yuan) to enter Japan, compared to 8650 rupees (about 620 yuan) for citizens from other countries—a difference of 17 times.
This agreement was established long ago, so Japan's decision to raise visa fees does not affect India's terms; it has nothing to do with attracting tourists or laborers (the reasons speculated by netizens before were incorrect).
2. Why Does India Care So Much about Visa Fees?
When negotiating with developed countries like the UK and the US, India always emphasizes visa issues due to two key needs:
1. Alleviating Domestic Employment Pressure: With a large population and limited job opportunities, sending more Indians abroad to work (especially in IT and technical fields) helps reduce unemployment.
2. Receiving Remittances: Money earned by Indians abroad is an important source of income for India. For example, during free trade negotiations with the UK, visa issues were a sticking point. India wanted the UK to relax restrictions on skilled workers' visas, but the UK was concerned about Indian IT professionals competing for jobs, leading to compromises such as lowering fees for Indian students and extending their stay periods, though technical worker visas were not fully relaxed.
3. India's Complex Visa System: Fees Vary Dramatically by Country
India does not have a uniform visa fee; instead, the cost depends on the country of origin:
- Tourist Visas: Citizens from countries like the UK and the US pay higher fees due to reciprocity agreements. Japan and Sri Lanka have cheaper rates, and Argentina even has mutual visa exemptions (not free entry, but no fee required).
- Business and Work Visas: Fees also vary by country, and applicants often struggle to understand exactly how much they need to pay.
For example, Chinese citizens applying for a tourist visa to India must submit a lot of documents, and the cost is not fixed—it all depends on which country's passport they hold.
4. India Uses Visas as a "Diplomatic Tool"
India frequently uses visas as a means to exert pressure or improve relations:
- In June 2023, Xinhua News Agency criticized India for discriminatory treatment of Chinese media journalists, such as frequent delays and restrictions on visa issuance.
- During tensions with Canada in 2023, India temporarily suspended visa applications from Canadian citizens on security grounds; later, it resumed some services when relations improved.
A Canadian minister even stated that India's decision to suspend visas was intentional.
Conclusion
The lower visa fees for Indian citizens are part of a bilateral agreement between Japan and India. India's strict approach to visa policies is driven by economic and diplomatic interests. Next time you see news about one country offering cheaper visas to another, don't assume it's aimed at attracting tourists immediately; look for any existing agreements—this is usually the underlying reason.