Introduction: Understanding the Increase in Entry Denials

On March 27, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan released data showing that 8,546 foreign nationals were denied entry to Japan in 2025—an 8.5% increase from the previous year. This increase is largely due to the easing of COVID-19 border controls and the subsequent recovery in international travel.

Looking at the trend over time, the number of entry denials has evolved as follows:

  • 2021: 156 persons
  • 2022: 1,592 persons
  • 2023: 6,133 persons
  • 2024: 7,879 persons
  • 2025: 8,546 persons

There is a clear upward trend following the pandemic. In this article, I will analyze these statistics from an immigration specialist’s perspective and explain what companies hiring foreign talent and foreign residents in Japan need to know about entry screening and visa application procedures.

1. Breakdown of Denial Reasons – 84.8% Classified as “Suspicious Entry Purpose”

Fraudulent “Tourism” Claims Concealing Illegal Employment Intent

The most common reason for entry denial in 2025 was “suspicious entry purpose,” accounting for 84.8% (7,246 persons) of all cases.

Specific examples include:

  • Declaring “tourism” or “visiting friends” while the actual intent is to work in Japan
  • Suspected plans to engage in illegal employment after entering on a short-term stay visa
  • Inconsistencies in the amount of cash carried, accommodation plans, return flight bookings, etc.

Immigration inspectors scrutinize entry cards, financial holdings, accommodation details, return tickets, and even social media posts to assess the authenticity of declared entry purposes. Even minor discrepancies can lead to detailed questioning and ultimately result in entry denial.

Other Denial Reasons

Beyond “suspicious entry purpose,” the main reasons for denial include:

  • Grounds for Refusal of Landing (5.9%, 505 persons): Cases involving prior deportation history, criminal records, suspected involvement in terrorism-related activities, or other grounds specified under immigration law
  • Lack of Valid Visa (1.3%, 111 persons): Expired visas, forged or altered visas, or attempts to enter using a visa unsuitable for the intended purpose

The data clearly indicates that the majority of cases involve issues with the truthfulness of declared entry purposes.

2. Entry Denials by Nationality – Top 10 Countries

The ranking of entry denials by nationality/region in 2025 is as follows:

  1. Thailand: 2,343 persons
  2. Indonesia: 888 persons
  3. China: 702 persons
  4. Pakistan: 541 persons
  5. Ghana: 488 persons
  6. Bangladesh: 451 persons
  7. India: 407 persons
  8. South Korea: 328 persons
  9. Turkey: 288 persons
  10. Cameroon: 225 persons
  11. Others: 1,885 persons

Why Thailand Stands Out

The notably high number of Thai nationals denied entry (2,343 persons) can be attributed to several factors:

  • Thailand is a visa-exempt country, making short-term entry relatively easy
  • High volume of tourists, but also increased attempts to enter for illegal employment
  • Spread of information on social media suggesting “easy money in Japan,” leading to illegal work attempts after entering on tourist visas

In practice, immigration inspectors have intensified scrutiny of Thai nationals who carry minimal cash or have unclear accommodation arrangements.

China and Indonesia Also Rank High

While many Chinese nationals enter Japan legally as technical interns or students, there are also cases of individuals entering on tourist visas with the intent to work illegally. Indonesia shows similar patterns, with illegal employment in regional cities becoming a particular concern.

3. Entry Denials by Port of Entry – Narita Airport Leads

Entry denials by port of entry are as follows:

  1. Narita Airport: 4,628 persons (54.1% of total)
  2. Haneda Airport: 1,388 persons
  3. Kansai Airport: 1,292 persons
  4. Chubu Airport: 710 persons
  5. Fukuoka Airport: 186 persons
  6. Others: 342 persons

Narita Airport alone accounts for more than half of all denials, reflecting its status as Japan’s largest international airport and the strictest entry screening protocols.

4. Entry Screening Risks HR Managers Must Understand

The Risks of “Tourist Visa → Interview → Work Visa” Hiring Practices

Many companies hiring foreign talent follow this process:

  1. Invite candidates to enter Japan on a tourist visa (short-term stay)
  2. Conduct interviews in Japan
  3. Apply for a work visa (status of residence) after hiring decision

However, this approach carries significant risks.

From the perspective of immigration inspectors, declaring “tourism” while actually intending to attend job interviews constitutes a false declaration of entry purpose, which can easily lead to denial.

If asked during entry screening whether there is an interview scheduled and the candidate answers honestly, they may be denied entry on the spot.

Proper Procedures: Short-Term Business Visa or Pre-Approved Work Visa

The proper procedures are:

  • Short-Term Business Visa: For business meetings, negotiations, or interviews not involving remuneration
  • Work Visa (Certificate of Eligibility): If hiring is confirmed, apply in advance for a Certificate of Eligibility, which the candidate uses to obtain the visa before entry

In the latter case, the company applies to immigration authorities in advance, stating “We plan to employ this foreign national.” Once the certificate is issued, the candidate can enter smoothly.

Employer Eligibility Is Also Scrutinized

Companies hiring foreign workers are evaluated on:

  • Whether employment contracts comply with legal requirements
  • Whether wages are equal to or higher than those of Japanese employees
  • Financial stability of the company
  • Any past violations of illegal employment facilitation laws

Hiring foreign nationals “because they are cheaper” poses a risk of violating immigration law (illegal employment facilitation). Companies must strengthen compliance practices.

5. What Foreign Residents Must Know: Ensuring Alignment Between Visa Status and Activities

Visa Type and Activities Must Align

Japan’s status of residence system clearly defines “permitted activities for each status of residence.”

Examples:

  • Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services: Office work, interpretation, systems engineering, etc.
  • Skilled Labor: Chefs, pilots, sports instructors, etc.
  • Student: Studying at universities or vocational schools (part-time work up to 28 hours/week allowed with permission for activities outside status)
  • Dependent: Employment prohibited (part-time work up to 28 hours/week allowed with permission)

If a person on a “Student” visa works more than 28 hours per week, this constitutes illegal employment, leading not only to denial of status renewal but also to deportation.

“As Long As I Don’t Get Caught” Doesn’t Work

In recent years, immigration authorities have intensified crackdowns on illegal employment through:

  • On-site inspections of companies
  • Social media monitoring
  • Information sharing with tax offices and pension authorities
  • Whistleblower systems

The casual attitude of “a little illegal work is fine” has led to devastating consequences for future permanent residency applications or family sponsorship in numerous cases.

6. The Importance of Consistency of Declared Purpose of Entry for Visa Applications

Past Entry History Is Also Reviewed

When applying for a status of residence, immigration authorities carefully examine the applicant’s past entry history.

For example:

  • Multiple short-term entries in the past
  • Extended or frequent stays
  • Prior warnings for activities outside permitted status

Such histories raise suspicions that “this application may also conceal true intent,” resulting in stricter scrutiny.

One False Declaration Impacts the Future

If a false declaration is made at entry, even if entry is not denied on the spot, later discovery carries these risks:

  • Cancellation of status of residence
  • Denial of next renewal
  • Denial of permanent residency application
  • Deportation

The mindset of “just once won’t hurt” is extremely dangerous.

7. Support Services Provided by Immigration Specialists

Pre-Entry Consultation

  • Selection of appropriate status of residence
  • Assistance with document preparation
  • Advice on establishing proper receiving systems for companies

Application Agency for Certificate of Eligibility

  • Document drafting and translation
  • Application to and liaison with immigration authorities
  • Support for submission of additional documents

Change or Renewal of Status of Residence

  • Change from Student to Work visa
  • Change from Dependent to Work visa
  • Renewal procedures for residence period

Troubleshooting

  • Response to discovery of activities outside permitted status
  • Filing objections to status cancellation notices
  • Application for special permission to stay in deportation proceedings

8. Conclusion: Peace of Mind Through Accurate Knowledge and Professional Support

The figure of 8,546 entry denials in 2025 is not merely a statistic. It reflects the immigration authorities’ strict stance on verifying the authenticity of entry purposes.

To HR Managers and Business Leaders Hiring foreign talent is a critical pillar of corporate growth strategy. However, neglecting visa procedures can derail recruitment and damage corporate credibility. Starting with proper procedures is ultimately the most efficient approach.

To Foreign Residents in Japan Stabilizing life in Japan requires a correct understanding and adherence to residence status rules. If you have any doubts, consult a specialist.

As immigration specialists, we act as trusted partners who make “invisible risks” visible and show a clear path forward for both companies and foreign nationals.

Whether it’s about visas or residence status, no question is too small. Please feel free to reach out.

Reference Materials

Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Status of Immigration Control and Residence Management Services in 2025” Record China, “Foreign Nationals Denied Entry to Japan in 2025: Top 10 Countries Announced by Immigration Services Agency” https://www.recordchina.co.jp/b973709-s25-c30-d0190.html