- Introduction: A Major Shift in Immigration Administration
- 1. What is the “Attorney Notification” System? Overview of a 14-Year-Old Policy
- 2. Why Is It Being Abolished? Serious Operational Challenges
- 3. Current State of Deportation: Japan’s Immigration by the Numbers
- 4. Risks Corporate Executives and HR Managers Should Know
- 5. Practical Visa Management: Reliable Methods from an Administrative Scrivener
- 6. Visa Renewal Precautions: Preventing Renewal Denials
- 7. Future Direction of Immigration Administration: Continued Strictness
- 8. For Foreign Residents in Japan: Protecting Yourself
- 9. What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Our Support Services
- 10. Conclusion: Actions Companies and Foreign Nationals Should Take Amid Changing Immigration Administration
Introduction: A Major Shift in Immigration Administration
On January 26, 2026, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported significant news. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan announced its policy to abolish the “attorney notification” system regarding deportation procedures by the end of this year.
At first glance, this may seem like an issue confined to legal practice. However, for corporate executives and HR managers who employ foreign nationals, as well as foreign residents in Japan, this is far from irrelevant.
Why? Because this policy change is evidence that immigration administration as a whole is shifting toward “stricter enforcement.”
In this article, drawing from my experience as an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) who has long been involved in supporting visa applications for foreign nationals, I will explain the significance of this policy change and the measures that companies and foreign residents should take going forward.
1. What is the “Attorney Notification” System? Overview of a 14-Year-Old Policy
Origins of the Attorney Notification System
The “attorney notification” system was established in September 2010 under the Democratic Party administration. The then-Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice and the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) signed an agreement, launching the following operational procedures:
System Details:
- Attorneys representing foreign nationals subject to deportation are notified of the scheduled deportation period, in principle, two months in advance
- Notifications specify “the Xth week of X month”
- Notifications are provided only when requested by the attorney
Why Was This System Created?
The background lies in Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees the “right to access to courts.”
Foreign nationals subject to deportation can file lawsuits seeking cancellation of deportation orders. However, without knowing the scheduled deportation date, they would be deported before adequately preparing their case, effectively undermining their right to access to courts.
The attorney notification system was established from this human rights protection perspective.
2. Why Is It Being Abolished? Serious Operational Challenges
Surge in Fugitive Cases
The primary reason the Immigration Services Agency is abolishing this system is that cases of foreign nationals fleeing after notification have occurred repeatedly.
Data:
- At least 7 fugitive cases have occurred since 2019
- As of the end of 2025, 5 of these cases remain at large
- Over 50 notifications were issued in 2025
Social Media Dissemination and Protest Activities
Even more serious are cases where deportation schedules are spread via social media, resulting in massive volumes of protest calls to immigration offices.
Additionally, there have been instances where deportation cancellations resulted in approximately 3 million yen in airline cancellation fees.
JFBA’s Counterargument
Meanwhile, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations strongly opposes the abolition.
JFBA’s Position:
- Last-minute notifications as “exceptions” have already become frequent, constituting a breach of the agreement
- This undermines the right to access to courts
- It is problematic from a humanitarian perspective
While discussions between the Immigration Services Agency and JFBA continue, the agency has not budged from its intention to abolish the system.
3. Current State of Deportation: Japan’s Immigration by the Numbers
Reality of Illegal Overstayers
As of January 2025, there are approximately 74,800 illegal overstayers in Japan. This is equivalent to about 1.5 times the capacity of Tokyo Dome.
Deportation Numbers
In 2024, approximately 7,600 people were deported. This averages about 21 deportations per day.
Legal Basis for Deportation
Deportation is carried out based on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Act).
Primary subjects:
- Illegal overstayers
- Illegal entrants
- Illegal landers
- Those whose status of residence has been revoked
- Criminal law violators
4. Risks Corporate Executives and HR Managers Should Know
Risk of Illegal Employment Facilitation
The most critical concern in foreign employment is illegal employment facilitation.
Immigration Act Article 73-2
Those who cause illegal employment activities or place individuals under their control for such purposes face imprisonment of up to 3 years, a fine of up to 3 million yen, or both.
“I didn’t know” is not a valid defense. Even negligence in verifying residence cards can result in penalties.
Three Points Companies Must Verify
When employing foreign nationals, companies must always verify the following three points:
① Validity of Residence Card
- Check if the expiration date has passed
- Verify it’s not a counterfeit card (verifiable via the Immigration Services Agency’s official app)
② Type of Status of Residence
- Does the status of residence permit employment?
- Are there any occupational restrictions?
③ Permission for Activities Outside Designated Status
- Students and dependent visa holders need permission for activities outside their designated status to work part-time
- Compliance with the 28-hour weekly limit (for students)
5. Practical Visa Management: Reliable Methods from an Administrative Scrivener
Best Practices for Residence Card Management
At Hiring:
- Verify the original residence card
- Make a copy and store it in personnel files
- Verify authenticity using the Immigration Services Agency’s residence card number invalidity information inquiry system
During Employment:
- Set alerts 3 months before expiration
- Confirm progress of renewal procedures
- Always verify the new residence card after renewal
At Separation:
- Confirm whether the next job has been secured
- Advise on whether status of residence change is necessary
Utilizing Digital Management
Recently, more companies are adopting residence card management systems.
Key Features:
- Automatic expiration date alerts
- Automatic determination of status of residence types and employment restrictions
- Working hour management for permission for activities outside designated status
Especially for companies employing multiple foreign employees, implementing such systems is worth considering to prevent human errors.
6. Visa Renewal Precautions: Preventing Renewal Denials
Common Reasons for Renewal Denial
Visa renewal denials occur more frequently than many realize.
Main Reasons:
- Failure to fulfill tax obligations (resident tax, pension, health insurance)
- Not engaging in activities corresponding to the status of residence
- Poor conduct (criminal record, accumulated traffic violations, etc.)
- False information in submitted documents
Timing of Renewal Applications
Applications can be submitted from 3 months before the expiration date. Prepare with ample time.
Recommended Schedule:
- 3 months prior: Confirm and begin collecting necessary documents
- 2 months prior: Prepare application forms, final document review
- 1.5 months prior: Submit application to immigration
7. Future Direction of Immigration Administration: Continued Strictness
Government Aims for “Zero Deportation Refusers”
In recent years, the government has set a goal of “zero deportation refusers” and has been tightening immigration administration.
The 2023 Immigration Act revision included:
- Enabling deportation of third-time and subsequent refugee status applicants
- Strengthening penalties for those refusing deportation
Required Corporate Response
As immigration administration becomes stricter, companies must take the following measures:
Strengthening Compliance Systems:
- Reliable submission of employment status reports for foreign nationals
- Thorough verification of residence cards
- Implementation of internal training
Utilizing Specialists:
- Visa application support from administrative scriveners
- Regular consulting
- Prompt response when problems arise
8. For Foreign Residents in Japan: Protecting Yourself
Maintaining Your Status of Residence
To maintain your status of residence, pay attention to the following:
① Strict Adherence to Visa Expiration Dates
- Begin renewal preparations 3 months before expiration
- Forgetting to renew results in overstay status after even one day
② Activities Corresponding to Your Status of Residence
- Do not work in occupations not permitted under your work visa
- Students must work part-time within the scope of permission for activities outside designated status
③ Fulfilling Tax Obligations
- Properly pay resident tax, pension, and health insurance
- If payment is difficult, consult with municipal offices
When Problems Arise
If problems occur regarding your status of residence, immediately consult with specialists.
Consultation Sources:
- Administrative scriveners (visa specialists)
- Attorneys (when litigation is necessary)
- Foreign Residents Information Center (Immigration Services Agency)
9. What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Our Support Services
Comprehensive Visa Application Support
Administrative scriveners support all procedures related to status of residence.
Main Services:
- Certificate of Eligibility application (when inviting from overseas)
- Change of status of residence application
- Extension of period of stay application
- Acquisition of status of residence application
- Permanent residence application
- Naturalization application
Corporate Consulting Services
For companies, we provide services such as:
System Development Support:
- Creation of foreign employment management regulations
- Establishment of residence card verification procedures
- Training for HR personnel
Ongoing Support:
- Regular verification of residence status
- Reminders of renewal periods
- Emergency response when problems occur
Our Strengths
Beyond mere application agency services, we help create an environment where companies can grow confidently together with foreign talent.
Immigration administration is complex, with frequent legal revisions. By receiving specialist support, you can minimize risks and focus on your core business.
10. Conclusion: Actions Companies and Foreign Nationals Should Take Amid Changing Immigration Administration
Key Points from This News
- Immigration Services Agency plans to abolish the “attorney notification” system
- Primary reason is the surge in fugitive cases
- Immigration administration as a whole is moving toward stricter enforcement
What Companies Should Do Immediately
✅ Verify residence cards and visa expiration dates of foreign employees
✅ Review residence card management systems
✅ Consult with specialists such as administrative scriveners as needed
What Foreign Residents Should Be Mindful Of
✅ Absolutely adhere to visa expiration dates
✅ Engage in activities corresponding to your status of residence
✅ Properly fulfill tax obligations
✅ Immediately consult specialists when in difficulty
Final Thoughts
Changes in immigration administration may sometimes feel harsh. However, with proper knowledge and appropriate procedures, there is nothing to fear.
Foreign talent is invaluable to the Japanese economy. We, as administrative scriveners, believe our mission is to create an environment where both companies and foreign nationals can work together with peace of mind.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to consult with us. Together, we will find the optimal solution.
Reference Article:
Yomiuri Shimbun Online: “Deportation: Abolition of 2-Month Prior Notice to Attorneys – Stricter Enforcement Following Fugitive Cases”
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ceb2aa2248c815c6b808459f133fb1f7154a1b56
