Changes coming to foreign registration, visa system
TOKYO —
On July 9, a new system of residence management will be implemented that combines the information collected via the Immigration Control Act and the Alien Registration Law respectively. Foreign nationals residing legally in Japan for a medium to long term are subject to this new system.
The government will start accepting applications for new residence registration cards on Jan 13, which will then be issued after July 9. To apply for the new card, you are required to appear in person at the nearest regional immigration bureau.
The Ministry of Justice says the new system ensures further convenience for such persons by extending the maximum period of stay from 3 years to 5 years. In addition, a system of “presumed permit of re-entry,” which essentially exempts the need to file an application for permission for re-entry when re-entering Japan within one year of departure, will be implemented.
Upon introduction of the new system of residence management, the current alien registration system shall become defunct. Medium- to long-term residents will get a new residence card which they will be required to always carry with them. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the obligation to always carry the residence card.
Foreign nationals residing legally for a medium to long term with a status of residence under the Immigration Control Act, EXCLUDING the persons described below, shall be subject to the new system of residence management:
—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
Permanent residents, meanwhile, will have to apply for a new residence card within three years from July 2012.
What is the residence card?
The residence card will be issued to applicable persons in addition to landing permission, permission for change of status of residence, and permission for extension of the residence period, etc. The card is equipped with an IC chip to prevent forgery and alteration, and the chip records all or part of the information included on the card. Fingerprint information will not be recorded in the chip.
The card will contain a portrait photo of the individual and the following information:
—Legal items given
—Name in full, date of birth, sex, nationality
—Place of residence in Japan
—Status of residence, period of stay, date of expiration
—Type of permission, date of permission
—Number of the residence card, date of issue, date of expiration
—Existence or absence of working permit
—Existence of permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted
New visa and re-entry system
(1) Extension of the maximum period of stay
The status of residence with a period of stay of 3 years under the present system, will be extended to 5 years. As for the status of residence of “College Student,” the maximum period of stay will be extended to “4 years and 3 months” from the current “2 years and 3 months” starting from July 1, 2009.
(2) Revision of the Re-entry System
A foreign national with a valid passport and a residence card will be basically exempt from applying for a re-entry permit in cases where he/she re-enters Japan within one year from his/her departure. In cases where a foreign resident already possesses a re-entry permit, the maximum term of validity for the re-entry permit shall be extended from 3 years to 5 years.
Conditions of Revocation of Status of Residence
Implementation of the new system of residence management includes establishment of the following provisions concerning the conditions of revocation of status of residence and deportation, and penal provisions:
—The foreign national has received, by deceit or other wrongful means, special permission to stay
—Failing to continue to engage in activities as a spouse while residing in Japan for more than 6 months (except for cases where the foreign national has justifiable reason for not engaging in the activities while residing in Japan
—Failing to register the place of residence within 90 days after newly entering or leaving a former place of residence in Japan (except for cases with justifiable reason for not registering the place of residence), or registering a false place of residence
—Forgery or alteration of a residence card
—Being sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier punishment for submitting a false notification required of medium to long term residents, or violating the rules concerning receipt or mandatory presentation of the residence card
For further information, visit http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/index.html or call the Immigration Information Center at 0570-013904 (weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.)
Japan Today
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99 Comments
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4
sillygirl
yeah, the gaijin tax is gone. never thought i would see it.
3
Brainiac
I'm still not clear on what this means for permanent residents.
13
DenTok2009
I am loving the
-1
tigerguy
Yeah special permanent residents should be same as permanent residents. Why should they be treated differently?
0
Badge213
Cause they got a bigger lobby then your standard British expat.
2
Badge213
The only few concerns I have with the new system is that many cards will be issued once you enter Japan, would this not make the lines even longer for foreigners entering / re-entering Japan? I mean it does seem like it would take time to have the additional information checked, plastic card to be printed and given out on the spot.
I do like the no-longer having to fill out a re-entry permit and going to the immigration office, only having to be turned away to the combini in the building to buy a stamp from the combini then go back up to fill out the forms. Seriously? Why couldn't they just sell the dang stamp directly? At least we don't have to do that mess anymore.
In addtional, the current ARC allows us to use a Legal Alias on the card as registered, does the new Resident card allow this?
1
gogogo
Need someone to break this down and what it all means... seems okay on the surface but I don't like the fact my personal information in kept in an IC card... I guess I'll have to microwave it as soon as I get it.
2
Speed
I think this article makes it pretty easy to understand. Thanks JT for posting it.
1
papigiulio
sounds confusing. So all the current visas will disappear? And did I read we need to renew this card every 3 to 5 years? questions. questions.
9
Nicky Washida
It does apply to us We can apply after Jan 13th and cards will be issued from July 9th. We have up to 3 years from July 9th to apply for a new card. We have to apply at the immigration office, not the ward office as before. We will no longer have to apply for a re-entry permit (yay!!!) We have to carry it with us at all times as before. PR status is permanent - it doesnt run out (unless you screw up!). The cards will contain an IC chip with more data on us than before.
It doesnt say anything in the article about the cards needing to be renewed - I am assuming this will be the same as before (which is what, 5 years? 7 years? I forget).
The only thing that seems a bit woolly to me is "failing to engage in activities as a spouse for a period of 6 months unless you have a good reason not to" - what exactly is "engaging in activities as a spouse" - can I assume it is saying what I think it is saying??! And what also is a "good reason not to" - your wife is refusing to dish up the goods?! I guess what I am wondering is - is divorce a "good reason not to" - I am just concerned that if a gaijin and their Japanese spouse divorce, can they be booted out of the country and separated from their children? And can a Japanese wife refuse said goods for 6 months, and then claim a divorce??!
5
MaboDofuIsSpicy
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/index.html
Check it out.
11
Farmboy
Like Dentok2009, I think this one is interesting. I'm worried, too. I'm going to talk to my wife to see if she thinks my spouse activities are up to par.
1
Akula
The government has thrown in a few sweeteners, but I am still very cynical of what their overall motives are.
The overall aim of this is to have greater control and information over the movements of foreign nationals resident in Japan.
3
MaboDofuIsSpicy
It is not as easy as it looks. Check out that URL.
3
ReformedBasher
@Nicky
"activities as a spouse" probably refers to things like living at the same residence, etc, not that kind of activity :-)
Then again I could be wrong but it does seem odd if true. How to prove? Photos/videos or an offcial sitting by the bedside to observe and take notes? Which leads to the question, if invited to participate, would the session need to be redone with another "unbiased' observer? (Sorry, too mcuh sugar in my hot chocolate)
1
Farmboy
Seriously, it's not that easy, but it will be good for most of us who have been here for a while.
2
Laguna
This was written by Japanese middle-aged male bureaucrats, Nicky, so, no, I don't think you can assume it's sex. It more likely has to do with spousal abandonment. Still, the vagueness leaves open all avenues of potential abuse.
3
2020hindsights
I think the overall motives are to fix the stupid system of where immigration gives you a visa, but a local ward office handles your residence card. How hard is that to manage? So keeping it all with immigration makes a lot of sense.
0
iceshoecream
And I've just paid 6,000yen for my re-entry permit this week.
0
Pukey2
Nicky:
Sorry, but PR is definitely not permanent (just like in some other countries I know). As far as I know, if you leave and come back without a re-entry permit, you lose it (can someone confirm this)? Now, what happens if, for some reason, I have to leave for more than one year (eg to look after sick relatives, etc)? This is why I'd prefer the gaijin tax because that gives you 3 years.
So PR's also have to inform immigration of any address changes within 90 days too? Popping down to the immigration office is not like popping down to your local ward office. Most of us don't live anywhere near an IO, and will have to take at least half a day off.
If they have PR, they can't be booted out merely because of a divorce, but the second one - hell yeah! This is Japan, after all. Unless your ex-spouse decides to renew his or her PR in your country and gets caught.
0
cactusJack
Looks like when you renew your "Gajin card"(Torokusho) at the IMMIGRATION OFFICE you apply for the new residence card(must apply before July 08, 2015).
0
Pukey2
Juts found this from that website:
I was wrong. You have to go to the IO AND municipal office. I'm assuming this includes PRs.
0
Nicky Washida
Sorry Pukey - what I meant by PR being permanent was it didnt have to be renewed - you can still lose it if you screw up.
Your last bit - where does it say you have to go to BOTH the IO and the ward office? Right now it is just the ward office. In the new system I am guessing it is the immigration office? I doubt you would have to go to BOTH places under the new system?
0
tallgaijin
Check out the link provided by Mabodofulspicy - it gives details in English. As per this immigration office site EVERY card, including Permanent Resident status cards will have a validity period mentioned on the card. For PR holders who are 16 yrs or older, the validity is seven years. So before this, a PR holder still needs to go and renew the card I guess. Below is the text from this site - The resident card has a “valid period” The valid period of the resident card will be as follows: Permanent resident: 16 years or older 7 years from the date of issuance Less than 16 years old Until the foreign national’ s 16th birthday Persons other than permanent residents: 16 years or older The expiration date of the period of stay Less than 16 years old Whichever comes earlier, the expiration date of the period of stay, or the individual’s 16th birthday
0
Pukey2
Nicky:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/port-city.html#anchor-city
I don't know - that's what is says on the official homepage. I assume (yet again) that 'notify' means going there in person. Since moving here from my last place, I haven't been back to any IO. Just checked the map, and there are plenty of IO's near me - all of them requiring well over a 1-hour journey. I'd rather just have one that was really close by.
My ARC expires in 2014. I think I'll leave it until then.
0
southsakai
JT Thank you for this, very helpful!
1
mekki
Pukey2: I read this so that you need to go to register your change of address in the ward office as before. Just that the form you fill will go to the Ministry of Justice from there.
I am also happy to understand from the pages that the "acting as a spouse" does not mean what it sounds like, but just that you are actually living together and not separated and staying married only in paper to keep your visa. Would be totally uncool not to get any for six months and then be deported because of that ;).
0
It"S ME
Your PR is permanent in the sense that it don't expire.
As for the current re-entry visa(automatic 3yrs when you apply), if you re-enter with an expired Visa or without one you lose your Status(same as with all others visas).
So in theory you can stay outside for 3yrs but need to re-enter before the re-entry visa expires. Of course you can also visit your local Japanese embassy/consulate and see if you can apply for a new-entry visa there.
You can lose your PR too due to being deported but that is usually only done for major crimes or similar being committed by you.
2
tokyokawasaki
Apparently, according to my visa lawyer friend, this is a loophole so the government can kick out those in fake marriages. (He says it is becoming a huge problem with Chinese and Koreans who are marrying J-girls for a cash payment, just to get a 3 year spouse visa, and divorcing soon after).
i.e. Under the planned new system, if you get married and divorced soon after, they can and will take away your spouse visa status and you will have to leave or apply for a new status (only if you qualify)...
1
tokyokawasaki
Forgot to add, this can also apply if you marry and do not live together as a family. Not sure how they would prove this... (Unless they start spying on newly weds?)
1
recherche88
"Being sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier punishment for submitting a false notification required of medium to long term residents, or violating the rules concerning receipt or mandatory presentation of the residence card"
Heavier than imprisonment? Death penalty for screwing up your resident status?
5
Patrick Smash
Failing to continue to engage in activities as a spouse..
For most guys this probably means giving lots of money to a Japanese woman in exchange for being moaned at and sleeping in a different room, but being able to see your own children. In reality it is a way of cracking down on paid marriages for visas of course.
PR, should not be called PR. It is not a permananet status and can be revoked at any time. Try not being fingerprinted in Narita for more information.
0
Nicky Washida
Sometimes every single one of you guys on JT is worth your weight in gold - this is one of those times.
Thanks to all who are posting good info, and thanks to all who are just giving me a bit of a giggle (yes, YOU, Paddy and TokyoKawasaki!) I love you all xxx (just dont get me started on gender equality ;) !!!)
0
tokyokawasaki
Hi Nicky, Love you too :) Happy New to you by the way and all of the JT regulars.
I am sure we will all learn something in this thread about the new immigration procedures. Some of it factual and some... well pure entertainment :)
2
Patrick Smash
recherche88, yeah, what is the punishment they have that is worse than imprisonment with hard labour if it's not the death sentence? Sounds like death sentence followed by the shame of posthumous deportation for all foreigners who dare mess up the national hobby: doing paperwork.
0
Patrick Smash
Can anyone enlighten me on this bit:
I am a bit worried that a summer holiday gets booked but can't be taken if a card doesn't get issued on time. "After July 9" could mean a hefty wait for a new card, especially if there are a lot of applications at the same time.
3
zichi
The only reason for this program is to create a centralized data base allowing officials to keep track of all foreigners, especially those overstaying their visa's. This will also make it impossible for forged alien cards.
Replace your current card when it runs out after July otherwise renew by July 2015.
4
Patrick Smash
Nicky, ahh, that was really sweet. You're married right? This board is great and we all learn a bit as well as having the odd laugh. Some light entertainment around serious issues works for me, even though much of this board does not see any humour anywhere.
1
zichi
I think we will still have to register with the ward office has a resident, everyone must do that.
-4
Nicky Washida
I have the same issue, as I am planning on going home at the beginning of July for a while, but I am assuming we can keep the card we have now until the new one is issued.
Happy new yeat TokyoKawasaki. One of my NY resolutions was to stop posting on here so much - as you can see that has gone to crap, along with the alcohol and chocolate-related ones!
Paddy - yes, married Im afraid. Unless you think I look like a native "Washida" from my pic, in which case DEFINITELY time to get my roots done!!! ;)
4
edojin
I think I got the gist of the story above ... but, believe it or not, by reading all the comments following the story I somehow got a clearer picture of what's going on without actually talking to anyone directly. The initial changeover might be confusing, but after that the overall process might work out well ... It's just that I enjoy going to my local ward office to get my alien registration card matters taken care of. Going to the Immigration Office at Shinagawa always makes me sweat ... to say the least ...
3
zichi
I wonder if the no re-entry visa only applies to the new card or will apply to both cards?
0
LH10
@__@ SORRY dont' get it.lol is it a good change? so you can extend your stay for 5years in japan instead of 3 yrs and little kids don't need to carry their cards?O?
@__@
1
zichi
With the new card change of address will be done in the local ward office but all other changes in the immigration office.
8
zichi
Anyone with a serious question should always check with immigration/ward office and not just rely on on our comments.
0
Patrick Smash
Well, my re-entry visas run out in June this year and I have a holiday booked in July. So I am not sure if I apply for the new card or accept that I need new re-entry visas/trip to Shinagawa. Or does the re-entry visa cease to apply and we just use the old gaijin cards until they expire with no further need for re-entry visas after July 9th? Guess I need to call immigration and check.
-1
It"S ME
I would assume that both systems will run concurrent till the actual cut-over, incentive to switch sooner.
Not really worried myself as I don't travel much overseas and getting my 3-year Re-Entry Visa is not all that tough just takes time to travel to Immigration Office.
Not sure how spouse or work visa will be handled. They already started the cut-over with the pre-registration for re-entry.
3
MaboDofuIsSpicy
I have PR. I got divorced last year, went to the local ward office, showed them the papers, and they stamped the big pile of papers in my file (No one knows about computers here), and put a stamp on my gaijin card.
The stamp on the back of the card wore off declaring me as my own dependent and not the x. I wonder if that information was relayed to the Kanagawa immigration office??? I guess I will find out. My card is up for renewal in 2014 so might as well register with the new system during my spring break.
Is there anyone else on this thread that once worked for the State Department or other US department here?
My landing date is blank as I arrived under the status of forces agreement. That really throws young clerks for a loop at immigration. They cannot figure out how I got here. I am curious about what information will be on these new cards and in the chips.
Their home page I posted before does not tell that.
1
It"S ME
Mabo.
Didn't they ask if you want renew your Alien card to reflect that you are now the head of the House. They did for me. Mine is up for renewal in 2015 but might apply sooner for the new one.
Many wards still run mostly on paper & computer and thus there in no central control, hence the new database and new cards.
1
Godan
I have PR, but my re-entry permit was up this past fall. With the vacation to the US for XMAS I had to get a re-entry permit. Even worse, I had to choose between the single or multiple. No idea if I have to leave Japan before July, but I wasn't gonna gamble and settled on paying 6,000 yen. Can't win for losing. But no more re-entry permits! Wooohooo!
FYI - my latest version of my G-card is good for 7 years - wonder if that will "stick" or if I will have to go in and get one of the new versions? From the above article, I do, but then why is my current card good until 2018??
0
It"S ME
Godan.
Neither me nor any of my friends got any notifications about having to leave or not, don't make sense. What the article seems to talk about is the 1st time that you can apply for the new card and when those get issued.
This is not a deadline you can apply later till than I assume it is standard procedure as normal. Can't go wrong with the multiple re-entry anyway if you come and go often as it works out cheaper.
0
Elbuda Mexicano
No more freakin re-entry permits?? WOW! Thank god/s!! That was always such a huge pain in the neck!!! Arigatou Japan!
1
MaboDofuIsSpicy
It's ME:
Nope, they never asked me to change the card to show me as head of household. So I think I will take the divorce papers with me when I go for the new card, or drop in the local ward office and ask them to stamp it correctly, and give me a copy of the permanent paper record they have on me.
If I didn't have stateside investments, I would apply for Japanese citizen ship and take the Japanese name Picachu
0
anglootaku
JT thanks for the info, though is it possible to perhaps have a comparison chart drawn to show the differences of the detailed information regarding the existing system also and the pros and cons on both.
0
SuperLib
It looks like the only change for permanent residents is that we won't feel so special anymore... ;)
1
some14some
that will be in J/E like existing Alien Regi. card, i guess (?)
0
Reckless
I am a PR and got a new 3 years reentry visa yesterday. There was madness at the immigration office as thousands pressed for various visa services. Anyways, in spite of the 1 year allowance to leave and return to Japan, I think the 3 year reentry visa would still be useful if you lived overseas longer and unexpected events came up that precluded returning to Japan once a year.
0
knowitall
Nope. That titbit is buried someplace in immigration website. The call it "nickname". You would think that immigration would hire better translators... However, I think that the Juki (basic residents register) net card you can apply for once you are eligible to be in the register will allow a legal alias. I saw this in some materials regarding the proposed change. However, I don't think it was finalized (just a proposal at the time).
2
TinMadDog
A couple of pluses here, but what aren't we being told?
And for some of us, it was convenient to be able to go to the local ward office for gaijin card updates, such as when we move. For some of us, the Immigration office is quite a trip away. I assume updates will need to be done at the IO since its them issuing the card?
And no, I am not happy to have my details on an IC chip. For those of you concerned as I am, I believe that wrapping in a layer of tin foil will defeat anyone trying to read it remotely. Same with your DL.
0
SpanishEyez37
My spousal visa expires in March ,so is it ok to start my renewal this month? Sorry for the goofy question.
0
wanderlust
You will need a re-entry permit if you are away from Japan for longer than one year.
And looks like a dual system for three years (2012~2015), when the last of the Permanent residents have to apply for the new cards.
For those complying with the rules, it's easier; for those pushing and bending them, those who's situation is not so clear, and those who lose their job or their sponsoring spouse, it's going to be harder.
0
smithinjapan
I'm glad that they are finally getting rid of the re-entry permit system, but I'm pretty sure they'll hide the cost in obtaining the card. Suddenly the three to five-year visa card will probably cost 12,000 yen or something for the 're-entry service'.
Anyway, the things they are telling us all do indeed make it sound like the purpose is for 'the convenience of foreigners', but I seem to recall discussion on something of this nature a while back and that there will be new requirements for renewing the residence card to begin with. For example, don't you now have to provide proof (or will with this residence card) that you are paying into social programs like the National Health Insurance and Pension, and will have to pay back taxes if you haven't been? I seem to recall a few 'control' concerns as well, and this perhaps is a hint:
"—Existence of permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted"
It stands to reason that you shouldn't be engaged in 'under-the-table' and/or illegal jobs, and not paying taxes, but this is pretty ambiguous. I have a few friends that JUST renewed their foreign registration cards and paid the re-entry and what not that will be a bit miffed.
-1
smithinjapan
SpanishEyez: "My spousal visa expires in March ,so is it ok to start my renewal this month? Sorry for the goofy question."
You should contact the nearest immigration office and check by what date you need to apply. Last time I renewed my visa, a year and a half ago or so, there was a message stating you needed to renew your visa 90 days (I could be wrong... it might be 30 - 60) before expiration. I remember it because I had passed the date and I asked the people at the counter whether this had been made public knowledge or not.
You're going to have to renew your visa, in all likelihood, but I recommend NOT buying a re-entry permit.
0
Serrano
"the current alien registration system shall become defunct"
Does this mean this mean the new system won't have refer to foreigners as aliens?
0
ExportExpert
Paid your taxes and other obligations all taken care of? Then you have nothing to worry about, over staying then you in da shite.
Will make things alittle easier for some though, personally being a PR for the last 7 years or so now just means i wont need reentry permit, dont have to go and renew my visa at all as it is, so not much will change for me. May have to renew resident card though if that will have an expiry attached to it.
2
cleo
So now instead of popping down to the yakuba on my bicycle, in and out in ten minutes, I have to spend half a day or more travelling to the nearest immigration office a train ride and bus ride away and stand in a queue for an hour? How on earth is that supposed to make things more convenient for me?
2
Farmboy
For a small fee, you can be upgraded to extraterrestrial.
0
keika1628
Marriage of convenience visa = Sayonara , Divorce with no children = Sayonra
Hardest on women. The Japanese male spouse can divorce you in one day grab the kids and marry another. You're knackered. You have to wait six months to marry and be back on the spousal visa before you can do anything about your previous situation or ,,,,,,,,,,,
0
ReformedBasher
Divorce with no children = Sayonra
It depends. I got divorced but my company vouched for me (said I was a key member of the staff) when my Spouse visa expired and I got a Long Term Resident visa
0
Elvensilvan
@cleo
You can still change address at your nearest kuyakusho. But for other changes, specially ones that involve your visa, it will become easier, since you still need to go to the immigration office to apply and get your visa anyway.
Unless, of course, you have a habit of changing your name, gender or spouse every 6 months.
-1
cleo
Elvensilvan - I have PR, so no need to ever get a visa. Up until now I've been able to do everything including renew the ARC (every 5 years, is it? I forget...) at the yakuba. This new system appears to mean I have to waste a day making at least one trip up to Utsunomiya to get this new IC card which brings me no benefits at all but does involve expense and inconvenience. I've never changed my gender or spouse, but a couple of years ago the bank insisted I use my full official name instead of the shortened name they'd been quite happy with for the past 20 years. The yakuba sorted that out in no time, but under the new system that would mean another day off work to stand in line to speak to people who don't know me from Adam, no?
1
Elvensilvan
Well, in that case, I would agree that it would be quite an inconvenience for you. Also, it seems that the new system would require PR holders to renew every 7 years.
But on the other hand, I would think the new system would help the government in screening out illegal aliens, and to completely remove the need for re-entry for most foreigners.
0
Badge213
There's a card for the residency system too?
1
Debbie Itabashi
Ok, fees are being dropped. Im waiting for that 'other shoe' to drop .... About money. In the old system we were nickle and dimed over every paper, stamp, visit and want.... With most of those choices being combined .... As smithinjapan mentioned an increase in payment briefly. I am scared that in order to get these convieniances, payment may cost us an arm and a leg as well. For me, I havent left Japan since 2006, so I havent needed nor purchased a re-entry ticket in years. Keeping that cost down. But with this new system.... ??? I havent read any official site (not quite sure where to look) but the money thing bugs me. We arent going to get this new stuff for free and with immigration to Japan at a low due to events last year.... Japan isnt rich, financing has to come from somewhere. So why not put it on the shoulders of non-Japanese folk? Otherwise Im not disagreeing much with anything written above. I too enjoyed the levity on the spouce's job... having 5 children and not wanting a 6th .... Im in trouble if they count the xxx into the works .... ;)
0
WilliB
Well, finally!! No more of these idiotic "re-entry permits", which have always been nothing but a ripoff. To ask for some kind of permission for an absence of more than 1 year is reasonable, and hardly a concern for most people.
I didn´t think I would see the day.
0
blackpassenger
this is good news indeed, a step in the right direction. cant believe they gave up the re-entry scam, especially at a time when japan needs the revenue. and what about self-sponsoring? wonder if that process has been changed.
-1
Virtuoso
Actually if you read the news several years back at the time the law was passed by the Diet, there was also a plan to "integrate" foreigners into the Japanese "juki" resident registration system. And the implications of that -- which may or may not have been worked out -- is that foreigners with resident status would be expected (perhaps "obliged" is a better word) to contribute in Japan's health insurance and pension systems. Japan now has reciprocal arrangements with many countries so for example if you pay social security here for five years and then return home to the U.S., those funds would be transferred to your social security account. I am not saying whether or not I think this is a good idea, but it does look like the new system will attempt to close those loopholes. If someone has more current information on this aspect of the new law, I look forward to reading it.
0
cl400
Yikes~ I'm a little concerned. I'm recently divorced after being married for 2 years and with her for a total of almost 7 years, but according to these new rules, does that mean they take away my visa just because I am divorced? I have a job, a home, etc... but my visa is only for another year so having to give all that up suddenly would be a bit harsh.
-3
tmarie
How is this sweeter and how is this a step in the right direction? As Cleo mentioned, it now means a trip to the immigration center to make certain changes - along with the masses of other unwashed gaijin. Great, no gaijin tax but really, the j government isn't going to make things easier for us or let us off without paying for this. We are paying for this via are taxes.
Also, re-entry. Are we STILL going to get pics and fingerprints taken? How nuts is the line-up going to be if they are going to try and issue these at the airport? Why not do it the same as before that you have to go somewhere (in this case immigration) to get this done? Why the airports? Plus, not all airports/ports are going to have the means to do this so... save it for the office.
I am waiting (six months now) to hear about PR. I do like the fact that they can kick out those with fake marriages easier now. Though I think those with kids should be allowed to stay - as long as they work and contribute.
And yes, what is the deal with the health care/pension payments? I am all for making people pay but can they not come up with some sort of penalty for the locals who don't pay as well?
1
GoGoGoHanshinTigers
Coincidentally (& painfully) I arrived back in Japan last week after being away on business for a few mths, only to find that my re-entry permit had expired. My options were: 1. Stay overnite in purgatory in the airport, return to origin and apply for a re-entry permit at the Jpn embassy but as it was year end the re-entry visa may not have been processed until the new year.....then come back, 2. Enter on tourist visa and lose my perm resident visa. 3. Appeal to common sense from the immigration authorities (lol)
I chose number 2. After 20 years in Japan, PR status has been erased because of a 3000yen stamp. Admittedly an oversight on my part but a very silly policy driven by a silly system. The good news is that the new system will address this kind of issue. In the meantime, advice to the Japan veterans out there -- check your re-entry permit!
-1
tmarie
Gogo, that sucks! Why didn't the immigration officer ask you about this when you left? If you are leaving for good, they are supposed to take your card! If you are leaving closish to the dates, they ask. I once made the mistake of getting a single (visa was due to expire soon) and took two trips. I got taken to the "office" and told off - the check in girl noticed it and that is the only reason why I didn't end up like you - though mine would have been a work visa. I hope immigration sees how dumb this is and gives it back to you!
0
Ranger_Miffy2
Great comments everyone. I, for one, am really pleased with these LOOOOOOOOONG overdue changes! Next stop: PR!
1
YankinNippon
Virtuoso wrote: "Japan now has reciprocal arrangements with many countries so for example if you pay social security here for five years and then return home to the U.S., those funds would be transferred to your social security account." That is not true. It is the amount of time (quarters or years) you have accumulated that can be transferred. However, you can try to reclaim some of the pension premiums you have paid, but only after you have left Japan.
0
tmarie
And only up to three years for those claims!!
0
Virtuoso
Whew, it's complicated and a lot depends on who your employer is: Check out www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/japan.html
1
GoGoGoHanshinTigers
tmarie and others -- agreed, losing PR over a simple thing like a meaningless stamp that has expired really "sucks". It is an excellent example of where the punishment did not match the crime. I tried several different approaches during my 2 1/2 hours in purgatory from attempting to reason via hypothetical scenarios, i.e "What if I go to the immigration office first thing tmrrw morning, explain the situation and offer to write an apology (ahem) letter, pay the stamp fee, lesson learned and we move on? . That didn't work, so on to an appeal to the top guy in the immigration office: "I'm sure you can understand my dilemma after living in Japan for 20 years, married to a local, kids born here, home is here, company's H.O is here, etc...not to mention the lengthy process to qualify again from scratch and apply for a new PR". Only to hear; "So sorry sir....we don't make the rules." Then on to banging the able, yelling at the three officials and accusing them of being robots, with no opinion, finishing my tirade with accusing them of doing brainless, meaningless jobs....... That didn't work either.
In the end, a long moment of silence as midnite approached. The choice was up to me. Family waiting at home for Dad to get in, suitcase full of late Cmas gifts or stay overnite on a cot in the airport, return to origin on the next flight following day, straight to the Jpn embassy there, explain the situation and ask for a quick, common sense solution.
Entering Japan after arriving 20 years ago -- once again on a tourist visa -- was a bit liberating in a sense. One nite out I told a group of friends (Japan veterans) my story and needless to say they too agreed that this "sucks" and then went on to have a good laugh calling me "Hey, get the tourist another beer". Or "Hey tourist, when does your vacation end?".
Never a dull moment in Japan. I love it so much -- and hate it at the same time.
0
The758
Yes, it happened to a friend of mine. They were lucky enough to be put onto a spousal visa.
0
tmarie
Gogo, sorry to hear about it all. It is shocking how little sympathy and common sense goes on here. Rules are rules... but we all know that they don't mean anything unless you get caught but even then, a firm bow and an apology here seems to work. Unless you are a foreigner. I hope you speak to someone with a brain when you deal with immigration about this all - or they just give you PR again right away. I'm still waiting for mine but no idea how they will look upon me as I have refused time and time again to go on a spouse visa.
0
It"S ME
Tmarie.
No need to be sorry, ANY country wont allow you to enter with an expired visa and will revoke your status immediately. PR is not a free-pass to ignore the regulations nor does it give extra privileges, etc. If your re-entry expires before you come back you could have applied from overseas = trouble.
Myself can't recall how many friends left the visa renewal till the last minute and get caught because it wasn't granted yet.
Most got it sorted but a few got hit with the 10yr entry ban.
0
It"S ME
In short by the time your current visa expires you are supposed to have the new and approved one already. If you are on a PR you can't overstay your re-entry visa(can be renewed overseas but takes time).
All up to you to make sure you fall in line and if you don't you can't blame the government/immigration.
Over-staying, etc is all your own fault and a criminal offence.
0
RealJapan
What changes? You have to be joking. Basically, for an additional 2-year visa extension (if you are luckily to receive a 5-year visa by the immigration office) and/or a no-need-to-apply for a re-reentry visa, Japan will now have the right to revoke your visa - that is, if you are not actively engaged with your "Spouse" (thus Spouse Visa) or do something unrelated to the visa issue that is issue to you, etc., etc. Hope all you that are married are "happily married." If not hopefully you can "reasonably prove" that you are! Guess Japan found an easier way to reduce the long lines for re-entry permits during the time of natural disaster.
3
GoGoGoHanshinTigers
It"S ME; Your comments are uncanny, almost taken out of the immigration officials' mouths word for word. Were you with me the other nite in immigration purgatory, or do you simply abide by a philosophy of, "the rules are the rules"?.
Most rules allow for common sense (a.k.a. extenuating circumstances) whether they be based in criminal, civil, or contract law. As I mentioned earlier, indeed it was my oversight that led to the expiry of my re-entry permit while I was out of Japan on business -- 4 mths in total. However, I have paid and continue to pay shakai hoken, hefty income and ward tax, etc...on time as per the rules. Heck, I even paid the NHK guy. Did you?
Rules are rules....but common sense is common sense. I am certainly not looking for sympathy from folks in an online forum but do appreciate tkmarie's kind words nonetheless. As you said, the PR is not a free pass. A lot of effort and time went in to receiving it and I'll lkely elect to do it again if the immigration authorities don't come to a common sense based solution on my case.
-2
It"S ME
Gogofi.
The rules are the rules and that is it. Like it or not, simply stating facts.
Don't like them = bad luck.
Show me a country where rules are flexible to allow for common sense(define common sense and get any government to agree).
0
It"S ME
Above post addressed to GoGoGoHanshinTigers
-3
tmarie
ANY country wont allow you to enter with an expired visa and will revoke your status immediately.
Thing is, most countries don't have a foreigner tax and a little paper that allows you to come and go and without one, you're out. That is the issue. If you have a visa you should be able to come and go freely until the visa expires. In his case, his VISA didn't expire. The little foreigner tax did. can you not see how this is different than the example you gave?
-2
xpidf1
At first, Are they still accepting US Citizens inside their borders? and two...does this mean that the world passport that stateless persons carry with will no longer be valid?
I am going there in mid-June this year, and they better let me in
3
Bill Page
@GoGoGoHanshinTigers, I had similar happen to me. Grandmother suddenly died, rushed to get to the UK in time for the funeral. Checked at Narita that I had a valid re-entry permit, I did. Was away for one month sorting out family matters after the funeral. Came back 10 days after the re-entry expired with my Japanese wife and found myself in a world of hurt. I lost my PR after having it for 13yrs, was forbidden to travel outside of Tokyo or Chiba for 3 months while they 'investigated.'
Finally told I could appeal which I did and it took 2 years to get my PR back. In the meantime, I was given a spouse visa. The heavy handedness at Narita was unbelievable with both my wife and I being taken into separate interview (interrogation) rooms and forced to write letters, sign forms stating all kinds of ridiculous things. Mostly gang and drug related, which were just totally unbelievable. We were there after travelling for over 20 hours for about 6 hours just being questioned by different 'interviewers'. No phone calls allowed and even speaking Japanese and doing the usual apology thing made no difference. Basically, just nasty bastards because they could be.
This was in the days of Otemachi immigration office, so I had to report there afterwards. They were great and apologised for the treatment we had received and told us that Narita were too strict given the circumstances. i.e. death of a family member, valid visa on leaving, children left in Japan, married to a Japanese, fluent Japanese speaker, no previous issues, business owner and employee of Japanese etc., etc. It was them who issued the spouse visa and advised me to write to their head of immigration and explain what has happened. I did but it took two years for everything to get sorted.
Therefore, the change in the re-entry rules are very welcome, but other elements of the change have made me feel very wary, especially in light of what happened previously, so I will not be making the change to the new one until the last year necessary. Give it time for any other changes to be included or leave here anyway after 26+ years and a waning passion these last few years in particular - death of son etc.
Thing is, we are always going to be at the mercy of immigration and in a country like Japan, this can often go against what we would consider progress in the system for the better, especially of those with PR, families and businesses here. So, a back-up plan or exit strategy is always worth considering.
-3
Jo Ha
Came back 10 days after the re-entry expired
hello!!!! you broke the law mate what do you expect?
0
Eduardo Gonzalez
Let me see if i'm eligible for entering the country, given that i'm Puerto Rican, and was released from prison after a conviction of homicide in the first degree
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