An Indian restaurant owner in Japan has claimed that his business manager visa renewal was rejected, putting the future of a restaurant he has run for nearly 20 years in uncertainty. Manish Kumar, who runs an Indian restaurant in Saitama Prefecture, said Japan’s Immigration Services Agency denied his application under revised immigration rules. Speaking at a protest in Tokyo, he said the decision has left his family shaken. He added that his children, born and raised in Japan, now face an uncertain future in a country they consider home.
Why Was The Indian Restaurant Owner Asked To Leave After 30 Years?
Kumar said he was surprised by the rejection after living and working in Japan for several years. He noted that his business has been operating for around 18 years, but the visa denial has now placed everything at risk.
He said authorities cited stricter conditions under the updated business manager visa system, making approvals and renewals much more difficult than before.
What Do Japan’s Visa, Passport & Immigration Rules Say In Such Cases?
Japan has recently tightened rules for the business manager visa to ensure applicants are running genuine and sustainable businesses.
The updated policy includes higher capital requirements, stricter business checks, and a requirement to hire at least one full time employee.
Applicants may also need to show stronger managerial experience and, in some cases, basic language proficiency. Authorities say the changes are aimed at preventing misuse of the system.
Is There A Rush At The Indian Embassy In Japan & What Support Is Being Provided?
With similar cases surfacing, concern is growing among Indian entrepreneurs in Japan about visa renewals and documentation.
There is no official confirmation of overcrowding at the embassy, but several individuals are reportedly seeking guidance on legal procedures and documentation support. Community members are also discussing possible consular assistance.
【署名提出🤝】
日本に30年間暮らし、18年間カレー店を経営してきたクマールさんは、要件厳格化でビザの更新が不許可に……。「子どもたちは日本で生まれて、日本語しか話せない。妻も娘も泣いています」
友人の@TsuruVoiceNet が、ビザ厳格化の撤回を訴え、5.3万筆の署名を入管庁に提出しました。 pic.twitter.com/eXHCDhdqKk
— Change.org Japan（チェンジ・ドット・オーグ） (@change_jp) May 14, 2026
What Is The Indian Government’s Response, Public Reaction & Are There Similar Past Cases?
The situation has sparked debate among migrant workers, business owners, and rights groups. Some argue that long settled entrepreneurs are being affected by sudden rule changes, while others support the stricter enforcement as a way to curb misuse of visa pathways.
Similar situations have occurred in other countries as well, where immigration policy changes have impacted long term foreign residents and small business owners.
