Japanese Government Introduces New Residency System For Foreign Nationals
New residency requirements from the Japanese Government for medium to long stay foreign individuals
The Japanese government is introducing new residency rules on 9 July 2012, doing away with the current system. The alien registration system is set to be abolished when this comes into effect.
Key points to note:
* No more alien registration card –instead a resident card with better tracking capabilities and anti-tampering
measures will be introduced.
* For those that qualify-no more reentry permits required
* The current alien registration system will be abolished
* Longer periods of stay will be permitted for qualifying individuals
The following are excluded from the new residence system:
* Persons granted permission to stay for not more than 3 months -Persons granted the status of residence of “Temporary Visitor”
* Persons granted the status of residence of “Diplomat” or “Official”
* Persons whom a Ministry of Justice ordinance recognizes as equivalent to the aforementioned foreign nationals -Special permanent residents (for example, of Korean descent) -Persons with no status of residence
* Longer periods of stay will be permitted for qualifying individuals
From a company point of view, reporting obligations of companies have increased and employers hosting mid-to-long term residents must report such matters and any changes to their status to the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau, unless the foreign employee falls under the Employment Measures Act.
