Introduction: Declining Overstay Numbers, But Vigilance Remains Essential

On March 27, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan released the latest overstay statistics as of January 1, 2026. The total number was 68,488, representing a decrease of 6,375 individuals (8.5%) compared to the previous year, and marking the second consecutive year of decline.

While this may appear encouraging, serious structural issues remain beneath the surface.

As certified administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) specializing in visa applications and immigration status procedures, we work with these realities daily. In this article, we will analyze the latest statistical data in detail and provide foreign residents in Japan, as well as corporate managers and HR professionals employing foreign nationals, with critical insights and practical strategies for immigration status management.

1. Overview of Statistical Data: Who Are Overstaying, and Under Which Status?

Top 10 Nationalities and Regions

The largest group by nationality was Vietnamese nationals, with 11,601 individuals (down 2,695 from the previous year), followed by Thailand with 10,907 (down 430), and South Korea with 10,020 (down 580).

Notably, Sri Lanka was the only country among the top 10 to show an increase (+48 individuals). This may reflect a combination of factors, including political and economic conditions in the home country and changes in labor demand within Japan.

Additionally, Turkey entered the top 10 for the first time, replacing Cambodia at the 9th position—a shift that may influence future immigration policies and employment strategies.

Breakdown by Immigration Status

When analyzed by immigration status, the composition is as follows:

  1. Temporary Visitor: 41,607 individuals (-4,127)
    Originally granted for short-term purposes such as tourism or business, many individuals under this status remain in Japan and engage in unauthorized employment.
  2. Technical Intern Training: 9,323 individuals (-2,181)
    The technical intern training program is designed to transfer skills to developing countries. However, unclear career pathways after the training period often lead to overstaying.
  3. Designated Activities: 7,306 individuals (-263)
    This category encompasses diverse activities, and its complexity often results in unintentional lapses in period management.
  4. Student: 2,173 individuals (-72)
    Many cases involve failure to transition immigration status properly during job hunting or career changes after graduation.
  5. Spouse or Child of Japanese National: 1,724 individuals (-26)
    Changes in family circumstances (e.g., divorce or bereavement) can result in loss of eligibility under this status.

2. Three Structural Factors Behind Overstaying

(1) Inadequate Period Management

Most overstayers do not initially intend to violate immigration law. Rather, the majority of cases involve individuals who “didn’t realize the deadline had passed” or “postponed complex renewal procedures.”

The fact that over 40,000 individuals overstay under the temporary visitor status suggests weaknesses in entry screening and employment-side verification processes.

(2) Lack of Exit Planning in the Technical Intern Training System

The technical intern training system presumes that participants will return to their home countries and apply their acquired skills. In reality, however, many interns are attracted by income and living conditions in Japan and choose to remain.

Receiving companies often lack adequate follow-up systems after the training period, inadvertently creating conditions that foster overstaying.

(3) Information Gaps and Language Barriers

The immigration status system is highly complex, making it difficult for foreign nationals to fully understand the regulations. Additionally, many individuals fail to complete proper procedures due to uncertainty about where to seek help or anxiety about communication in Japanese.

3. Serious Risks of Overstaying

Risks for Foreign Nationals

  • Deportation: Overstaying constitutes a violation of immigration law and may result in deportation proceedings.
  • Re-entry Restrictions: Deportation typically results in a ban on re-entering Japan for 5 to 10 years.
  • Criminal Penalties: In serious cases, individuals may face criminal prosecution and a criminal record.
  • Loss of Social Trust: Overstaying can lead to the collapse of career prospects, family relationships, and living foundations.

Risks for Employing Companies

  • Criminal Liability for Facilitating Illegal Employment: Even unintentional employment of overstayers can result in criminal penalties (up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 3 million yen).
  • Administrative Sanctions: Business licenses (e.g., construction, staffing) may be suspended or revoked.
  • Reputational Damage: Media coverage can severely harm corporate image and erode trust among clients and customers.
  • Recruitment Cost Losses: Companies lose trained personnel and must restart the recruitment process from scratch.

4. Five Practical Measures Companies Should Implement Immediately

(1) Establish Rigorous Verification of Residence Cards and Periodic Monitoring

While verifying the original residence card at the time of hiring is essential, it is insufficient on its own. Implement alerts via HR systems or calendar tools to notify personnel at least three months before the expiration date.

Additionally, as counterfeit residence cards have become more prevalent, we recommend using the Immigration Services Agency’s “Residence Card Number Invalidation Information Inquiry” system for authenticity verification.

(2) Conduct Orientation Sessions for Foreign Employees

Provide new hires with thorough explanations of the immigration status system, renewal procedures, and consultation resources. Offering multilingual materials and arranging interpreters when necessary is also critical.

(3) Partner with Immigration Specialists

Immigration status renewal and change procedures may appear straightforward, but they frequently result in denials due to incomplete documentation or misunderstandings of requirements. Retaining a certified administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) on retainer enables proactive compliance management.

(4) Design Career Pathways for Technical Interns and Specified Skilled Workers

For technical interns wishing to transition to the Specified Skilled Worker status after completing their training, advance exam preparation and careful scheduling of status change procedures are essential. Active corporate support can simultaneously enhance talent retention and prevent overstaying.

(5) Conduct Regular Internal Training and Raise Compliance Awareness

It is important not only for HR personnel but also for field managers and general employees to understand the rules governing foreign employment and the risks of facilitating illegal employment. We recommend conducting training at least once a year.

5. For Foreign Residents in Japan: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself

Immigration Status Deadlines Are Absolute

The notion that “exceeding the deadline by a few days won’t matter” is extremely dangerous. Even one day past the deadline constitutes overstaying and subjects you to legal penalties.

Begin Renewal Procedures Three Months Before Expiration

Applications for period of stay renewal can be submitted up to three months before expiration. Last-minute applications increase the risk of incomplete documentation, insufficient time for additional materials, and ultimately, denial.

Exercise Caution When Changing Jobs, Marrying, or Divorcing

Career changes and changes in family relationships directly affect immigration status requirements. Always consult a specialist in advance and, if necessary, complete immigration status change procedures.

When in Doubt, Don’t Suffer Alone—Seek Help

Concerns about immigration status worsen the longer they are left unaddressed. Contact trusted resources early, such as certified administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi), attorneys, or municipal consultation services for foreign residents.

6. The Role of Certified Administrative Scriveners: Your Partner in Navigating Immigration Procedures

As certified administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi), we specialize in visa applications and immigration status procedures, offering the following services:

  • Certificate of Eligibility application (for inviting individuals from abroad)
  • Extension of Period of Stay application
  • Change of Status of Residence application
  • Permanent Residence application
  • Naturalization application support
  • Corporate compliance system development support

We do not simply complete paperwork; we carefully listen to each client’s unique circumstances and work as partners to develop optimal strategies.

7. Conclusion: Proper Immigration Status Management Is an Investment in the Future

Although the number of overstayers is declining, over 60,000 individuals remain in legally precarious situations. This is not merely an individual issue but a societal challenge requiring collective action.

For companies, proper acceptance and immigration status management of foreign talent is no longer just a matter of “compliance”—it is a core element of sustainable growth strategy.

For foreign residents, maintaining proper immigration status is an absolute prerequisite for working, living, and building a career with peace of mind.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here as your partner in creating a secure future.

References

  • Immigration Services Agency of Japan: “Number of Overstayers in Japan (as of January 1, 2026)”
  • Yahoo! News Article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1a050bc393d3dadb3c5df594c096c4682ae5a49d

【Contact Us】
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