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Consul hails 90-day stay limit law
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Posted on Jul 16 2004
Japan consul Takeo Saito has expressed appreciation for the CNMI government’s move to extend the allowable stay for senior citizens from 30 days to 90 days.
In an interview, Saito said he got confirmation from the Attorney General’s Office that regulations implementing Public Law 14-6 were finalized as of June 29.
The law, which Gov. Juan N. Babauta signed on May 20, allows the AGO to grant initial 90-day entry permits for tourists 55 years old and above, as well as some members of their immediate family.
The current practice at the Division of Immigration grants all tourists an initial 30-day stay period, with a possible 60-day extension.
“It was a very good decision [on the part of the CNMI government]. It will make a lot of tourists and the Japanese community on Saipan very happy,” Saito said.
He noted that the new law will allow retirees and other tourists from Japan to stay longer in the CNMI, particularly during the winter season.
“This will enhance tourism between Japan and the CNMI. I hope many more tourists over 55 will visit the CNMI with his or her spouse,” Saito said.
When he signed the law, Babauta said he is confident that P.L. 14-6 would produce economic benefits for the Commonwealth.
“The administration is especially supportive of this legislation due to the fact that it will allow Japanese citizens the possibility of staying in the CNMI for a period of 90 days, a courtesy that the Japanese government has extended to the CNMI for many years and a courtesy that is finally being reciprocated,” the governor explained.
Babauta said the government is aware of the concerns that have been raised by some individuals and agencies about the possibility that some people might take advantage of the ability to receive extended initial permits to unlawfully seek employment or to commit illegal activities.
But he pointed out that this concern is comprehensively addressed in the bill. “This [measure] allows procedural and administrative safeguards to be established that will ensure that the issuance of extended entry permits will not be abused and utilized for unlawful practices.” (Agnes E. Donato)
