- Introduction: A Fraudulent Document Case Reveals Serious Issues
- 1. The Full Picture of the Case: The Reality of Organized Fraudulent Residence Status Acquisition
- 2. Legal Risks and Severe Consequences of Using Forged Documents
- 3. Risks Companies Face: “I Didn’t Know” Is Not an Excuse
- 4. Countermeasures Against Forged Documents That Companies Should Implement
- 5. The Right Path to Residence Status Acquisition That Foreign Nationals Should Know
- 6. The Care Worker Japanese Language Evaluation Test: Proper Preparation Methods
- 7. The Intermediary Also Arrested and Indicted: The Horror of Cascading Crime
- 8. Impact on Honest Foreign Workers: Fighting Prejudice
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10. Conclusion: The Right Path Is the Most Reliable Path
Introduction: A Fraudulent Document Case Reveals Serious Issues
On January 21, 2026, Osaka Prefectural Police referred four Vietnamese women to prosecutors on suspicion of illegally obtaining “Specified Skilled Worker” residence status using forged Japanese language test certificates. This case contains important lessons for both companies employing foreign workers and foreign nationals working in Japan.
In this article, from the perspective of a certified administrative scribe (immigration lawyer), I will explain the details of this case, the risks involved, and the proper responses that companies and foreign nationals should take.
1. The Full Picture of the Case: The Reality of Organized Fraudulent Residence Status Acquisition
The Method of Obtaining Specified Skilled Worker Status Through Forged Documents
In this case, an organized crime was carried out with the following role divisions:
Procurement Agent (1 person) Communicated via SNS with a person in Vietnam to obtain data of forged Japanese language test certificates. The data was received digitally through a smartphone.
Intermediary (1 person, 36-year-old woman) A go-between who received forged data from the procurement agent and passed it to the clients. She was previously acquainted with the clients. This woman herself had also been arrested and indicted in a separate case for using forged documents and is currently on trial.
Clients (2 people) Were staying in Japan as technical intern trainees but wanted to transition to “Specified Skilled Worker” status, which offers higher income and longer stay periods. They conspired with the procurement agent and intermediary to use forged documents.
The Contents of the Forged Documents
What was forged were certificates of passing the “Care Worker Japanese Language Evaluation Test” and other examinations. To obtain Specified Skilled Worker (Care Worker) residence status, passing this test is required.
In August 2024, they submitted forged certificates to the Tokyo and Hiroshima Immigration Services Agencies and illegally obtained residence status.
The Motive for the Crime: Income Increase and Extension of Stay Period
The average annual income of technical intern trainees tends to be lower than that of specified skilled workers. There are also limitations on the period of stay. It is believed they resorted to illegal means seeking better income and long-term residence.
2. Legal Risks and Severe Consequences of Using Forged Documents
Criminal Penalties: Violation of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and Use of Forged Official Documents
The four were referred to prosecutors for the following crimes:
Violation of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (False Application) Submitting false documents to obtain residence status violates the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
Use of Forged Official Documents with Seal Using forged documents that appear to have been issued by public institutions is a serious crime under the Criminal Code.
Deportation and Re-entry Ban
When residence status is revoked, deportation follows. Furthermore, re-entry may be prohibited for a long period (in some cases, permanently).
Impact on Family Members
If spouses or children are in Japan, their residence status may also be affected.
Collapse of Career and Life Plans
All the career, relationships, and life foundation built in Japan will be lost.
3. Risks Companies Face: “I Didn’t Know” Is Not an Excuse
Employer’s Legal Responsibility
If a company employs a foreign national with residence status obtained through forged documents, the company may also be held legally responsible.
Crime of Promoting Illegal Employment Employing foreign nationals without residence status or those not permitted to work results in the company being charged with promoting illegal employment. The penalty is “imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of up to 3 million yen.”
Damage to Corporate Image
When illegal employment of foreign nationals is discovered, the company’s social credibility is greatly damaged. This leads to loss of trust from business partners and customers.
Risk of Administrative Penalties
Companies may receive administrative penalties related to foreign employment, which can make future foreign employment difficult.
4. Countermeasures Against Forged Documents That Companies Should Implement
Strict Verification at the Time of Hiring
Verification of Residence Card Verify the authenticity of the residence card. You can check the validity of the card number using the Immigration Services Agency’s “Residence Card Number Invalidation Information Inquiry.”
Verification of Qualification Certificates For Specified Skilled Workers, certificates of passing skills tests and Japanese language tests are required. It is recommended to verify directly with the issuing organization.
Thorough Identity Verification Confirm that the information on the passport and residence card matches.
Regular Monitoring
Management of Residence Period Manage the residence periods of employed foreign workers in a list and encourage renewal procedures before expiration.
Verification of Permissible Work Scope Regularly check the scope of work permitted under the residence status and be careful not to assign work outside that scope.
Cooperation with Specialists
Utilization of Certified Administrative Scribes By requesting document reviews by specialists at the time of hiring or residence status renewal, risks can be minimized.
Implementation of In-house Training Regularly conduct legal training on foreign employment for HR personnel.
5. The Right Path to Residence Status Acquisition That Foreign Nationals Should Know
Stepping Up from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker
For technical intern trainees to transition to Specified Skilled Workers, the following requirements must be met:
Passing Skills Tests Must pass the skills test in the field where they will work as a Specified Skilled Worker. However, this may be exempted if Technical Intern Training Program II has been completed.
Passing Japanese Language Tests Must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N4 or higher, or the Japan Foundation Basic Japanese Test. For the care work field, the “Care Worker Japanese Language Evaluation Test” is also required.
These Tests Can Be Passed with Proper Study They are by no means impossible tests. With appropriate learning support, many people pass.
Beware of Sweet Words Like “Easy to Get Qualification”
Solicitation via SNS Be cautious of people who approach you with words like “You can get Specified Skilled Worker status quickly” or “You don’t need to pass the test.”
Requests for High Fees The fees required for legitimate application procedures are fixed. Be suspicious of agents who charge unreasonably high fees.
Promises of “Guaranteed Pass” There is a possibility they will forge certificates and give them to you.
Proper Consultation Contacts
Certified Administrative Scribes Specialists in residence status applications. They support proper procedures at appropriate costs.
Immigration Services Agency Has consultation counters where you can consult for free.
Municipal Foreign Resident Consultation Counters An increasing number of municipalities have established multilingual consultation counters.
6. The Care Worker Japanese Language Evaluation Test: Proper Preparation Methods
Overview of the Test
The Care Worker Japanese Language Evaluation Test measures the Japanese language ability necessary for foreign nationals to work in Japanese care settings.
Test Content
- Care terminology
- Care conversations and verbal communication
- Care documents
Study Methods for Passing
Utilization of Official Materials Use official materials and practice questions provided by organizations like the Japan Foundation.
Online Learning There are many free and paid online learning sites.
Japanese Language Schools and Support Organizations Local Japanese language schools and foreign support organizations may hold test preparation courses.
Support from Employing Companies Many companies support foreign workers’ test success by securing study time and providing materials.
Don’t Give Up Even If You Fail
Even if you fail once, you can take the test repeatedly. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.
7. The Intermediary Also Arrested and Indicted: The Horror of Cascading Crime
The Intermediary Woman’s Separate Case
The intermediary woman (36 years old) who was referred to prosecutors this time had been arrested last October along with another Vietnamese man on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control Act for using forged certificates herself.
In August 2024, she submitted a forged certificate for a skills test in the food and beverage manufacturing industry and illegally obtained Specified Skilled Worker status. She was indicted in November last year and is currently on trial.
The Chain of Crime
Despite being arrested for using forged documents herself, she was further involved as an intermediary providing forged documents to others. This shows the horror of crime cascading and involving many lives.
8. Impact on Honest Foreign Workers: Fighting Prejudice
Partial Misconduct Damages the Overall Image
Every time such fraudulent cases are reported, there is a danger that even many foreign nationals working honestly will be viewed with prejudice.
Impact on System Tightening
As fraudulent cases increase, the entire system becomes stricter, affecting even those applying legitimately. Examination periods may become longer and required documents may increase.
What We Can Do
On the Corporate Side It is important to properly evaluate foreign workers who work honestly and treat them without prejudice.
Within the Foreign Community If you find illegal solicitation, report it to the police or immigration. It is to protect the trust of the entire community.
Specialists By providing correct information and supporting at appropriate costs, we prevent intervention by fraudulent operators.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happens to a company if it employs someone who used forged documents? A: Even if the company employed them without knowing they were forged, guidance may be given for failure to verify. If employed knowingly, criminal penalties apply for promoting illegal employment.
Q2: An acquaintance told me “qualifications can be easily obtained.” How should I judge? A: There are legitimate requirements and procedures for obtaining residence status. Words like “easy” and “quick” are danger signals. Always consult with a certified administrative scribe or immigration office.
Q3: Is transitioning from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker really difficult? A: It is by no means impossible. With appropriate learning support and passing the tests, you can legitimately transition. Many people have succeeded.
Q4: How can I verify the authenticity of a residence card? A: You can verify using the Immigration Services Agency’s “Residence Card Number Invalidation Information Inquiry.” You can also request a specialist to do so.
Q5: What should I do if I receive solicitation for forged documents? A: Never get involved and report it to the police or Immigration Services Agency. It will protect you and many other foreign nationals.
10. Conclusion: The Right Path Is the Most Reliable Path
What We Should Learn from This Case
This forged document case demonstrates the following important lessons:
For Foreign Nationals
- Don’t be fooled by sweet words like “easy” and “quick”
- Proper procedures are the reliable and safe path
- Consult specialists when in trouble
For Companies
- Thoroughly verify at the time of hiring
- Establish regular monitoring systems
- Minimize risks by cooperating with specialists
For Society as a Whole
- Partial misconduct damages the overall image
- Properly evaluate honest foreign workers
- Report misconduct when you find it
Support for Walking the Right Path
As a certified administrative scribe, I fully support foreign nationals who want to realize their dreams through proper procedures and companies that emphasize compliance.
Transitioning from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker, providing information on test preparation, supporting residence status renewal—I will help you achieve your goals reliably through legitimate methods.
It may take time. It may require effort. But if you walk the right path, a future will surely open where you can work in Japan with peace of mind for a long time, bring your family, and eventually obtain permanent residence.
When in trouble, when you don’t understand something, when you’re tempted by sweet words and feel confused—please consult a specialist. Let’s walk the right path together.
Reference Article “Four Vietnamese Women Referred to Prosecutors on Suspicion of Obtaining Residence Status with Forged Japanese Language Test Certificates…Osaka Prefectural Police”
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/ab62a32d79f500c6cd3be114609229c46ee4344b
About the Specialist Who Wrote This Article As a certified administrative scribe, I specialize in residence status application support, visa application procedures, and support for foreign nationals in Japan. From corporate foreign employment management to individual residence status consultations, I provide comprehensive support. Let me help you walk “the right path” together. Please feel free to consult with me at any time.
