Japan Tightens Immigration Rules

JAPAN introduces fingerprints

Thursday, 1 November 2007

Japan tightens immigration rules that require all visitors to be fingerprinted.

Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Justice of Japan announces new measures against acts of terrorism that all foreign visitors to Japan must be fingerprinted, photographed and interviewed before entering effective from 20 November.

A new law amending parts of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act of Japan was promulgated and is due to enter into force as of 20 November.

The revised law contains new provisions for the establishment of a framework for preventative measures against acts of terrorism. As part of this framework, a new anti-terrorism measure is to be implemented, which requires the submission of personal identification information at immigration control.

Under the new immigration procedures, when foreign nationals are applying for landing, fingerprints and a facial photograph will be taken after which an immigration control officer shall conduct an examination for landing.

In the event of any foreign national, who is required by the new law to be fingerprinted and photographed, refusing to submit to these new provisions, that person will not be permitted to enter Japan , and will be required to leave the country.

All foreign nationals entering Japan will be subject to the new provisions, apart from the following: special permanent residents; persons under 16 years of age; those persons performing activities which fall under the status of residence for ‘Diplomat’ or ‘Official’; those persons who have been invited by the head of any national administrative organization; and those persons who are prescribed by the Ministry of Justice ordinance as equivalent to the prior mentioned.

For more information, visit www.jnto.go.jp/eng.