Introduction: What the First-Ever Overstay Statistics Tell Us

In March 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan released newly published data that highlights the critical importance of proper status of residence management. According to this report, approximately 10,000 foreign nationals (9,748 individuals) became overstayers in 2025 after their residence visas expired.

This figure represents only the tip of the iceberg. Simultaneously released data revealed that among the 18,442 foreign nationals subject to deportation proceedings or departure orders, a staggering 72.9% (13,435 individuals) were engaged in illegal employment.

These statistics have important implications for foreign residents in Japan, as well as for business owners and HR personnel who employ foreign workers.

Data Breakdown: Which Status of Residence Categories Show High Overstay Rates?

Breakdown by Status of Residence

The 9,748 overstayers can be broken down as follows:

  1. Short-term Stay: 3,737 persons (38.3%) The short-term stay visa allows for stays of 15, 30, or 90 days for purposes such as tourism or visiting relatives. The fact that this category accounts for the highest number of overstays indicates that many individuals transition illegally from short-term visits to employment, or simply fail to depart after their authorized period expires.
  2. Specified Skilled Worker: 1,924 persons (19.7%) The Specified Skilled Worker status, created relatively recently in 2019, has the second-highest number of overstayers, which is particularly noteworthy. This status of residence is designed for employment in labor-shortage sectors under proper management and supervision. The high overstay rate suggests potential problems with corporate management and support systems.
  3. Technical Intern Training: 1,831 persons (18.8%) The Technical Intern Training Program, intended to transfer skills to developing countries, has long faced criticism regarding overstays and disappearances. Issues at receiving companies—including poor working conditions, wage non-payment, and passport confiscation—often contribute to these problems.

Regional Analysis: Why the Concentration in Kanto?

The regional distribution of the 13,435 foreign nationals found engaged in illegal employment shows a marked concentration in the Kanto region:

  • Ibaraki Prefecture: 3,518 persons (26.2%)
  • Chiba Prefecture: 1,967 persons (14.6%)
  • Gunma Prefecture: 1,426 persons (10.6%)
  • Saitama Prefecture: 1,366 persons (10.2%)
  • Greater Tokyo Area (1 metropolis + 6 prefectures): 10,261 persons (76.4%)

Ibaraki Prefecture’s exceptionally high numbers reflect the strong demand for foreign workers in agriculture, particularly in vegetable and fruit cultivation and livestock farming. The presence of unscrupulous employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers is considered a contributing factor.

Similar patterns appear in construction-intensive regions, where chronic labor shortages lead some companies to employ foreign nationals without properly verifying their work authorization.

Primary Causes Leading to Overstaying and Illegal Employment

1. Inadequate Residence Period Management

The most common cause is simple oversight. While residence cards clearly display expiration dates, individuals busy with daily life and work often neglect to monitor these deadlines.

The timing of renewal applications is particularly problematic. Applications for extension of period of stay can be submitted from three months before expiration, but last-minute applications risk delays in processing that could result in the visa expiring before approval.

2. Lack of Understanding of Procedures

Japan’s immigration system is complex, and many foreign nationals lack accurate understanding of required documentation and procedures. Some individuals also fail to recognize when a change of status is required (e.g., transitioning from student to worker status) and begin working without proper authorization.

3. Financial Constraints

Renewing status of residence involves costs (extension application: 4,000 yen, change of status application: 4,000 yen, etc.). Additionally, obtaining required documentation from home countries can be expensive and time-consuming. Some foreign nationals facing financial difficulties postpone applications due to inability to cover these costs, ultimately resulting in overstay status.

4. Insufficient Corporate Management

Many cases stem from inadequate management systems at employing companies. Some employers merely copy residence cards without tracking expiration dates, while others fail to verify whether employees hold work-authorized status of residence.

Risks and Legal Consequences of Overstaying and Illegal Employment

Risks for Foreign Nationals

  1. Deportation When overstay is discovered, individuals become subject to deportation under Article 24 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Those deported are generally barred from re-entering Japan for five years (landing denial period). In severe cases, this period extends to ten years.
  2. Criminal Penalties Overstaying violates immigration law and may result in imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (Article 70 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act).
  3. Impact on Future Applications Even after the landing denial period expires, overstay records remain on file. When applying for future status of residence in Japan, this history significantly disadvantages the application review process.

Risks for Employers

  1. Offense of Facilitating Illegal Employment Employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers, or who fail to verify residence cards (negligence), face prosecution for facilitating illegal employment. Penalties include imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (Article 73-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act).
  2. Reputational Damage Companies prosecuted for facilitating illegal employment may have their names publicly disclosed, resulting in loss of trust from business partners and severe business impact.
  3. Restrictions on Future Hiring of Foreign Workers Companies penalized for facilitating illegal employment may face difficulties accepting Specified Skilled Workers and other foreign employees in the future. The Immigration Services Agency strictly evaluates the eligibility of receiving companies, and past violations constitute a major negative factor.

Government Policy: Japan’s Goal of Eliminating Illegal Residents

The Japanese government has established a clear goal to “achieve zero illegal residents.” To accomplish this objective, the following measures are being strengthened:

1. Enhanced Enforcement

Immigration bureau crackdowns are intensifying, with frequent inspections targeting industries with high rates of illegal employment (agriculture, construction, food service, etc.).

2. Use of Reporting Systems

Some local governments are considering reward systems for reporting illegal employment. Ibaraki Prefecture’s consideration of a 10,000 yen reward per report has generated considerable debate.

3. Advanced Residence Management Systems

Modernization efforts include IC chip integration in residence cards and implementation of online application systems to improve management efficiency and digitalization.

4. Creating Proper Reception Environments

Simultaneously, the government aims to protect the rights of legally residing foreign nationals and build a more inclusive society. Initiatives include expanding the Specified Skilled Worker system and relaxing family accompaniment requirements to create environments where foreign nationals can live in Japan with confidence.

For Foreign Residents: Five Key Points to Prevent Overstaying

1. Always Carry Your Residence Card and Monitor the Expiration Date

Your residence card clearly states your period of stay expiration date. Set alerts in your smartphone calendar to ensure you never forget this deadline.

2. Apply for Renewal from Three Months Prior

Applications for extension of period of stay can be submitted from three months before expiration. Considering documentation preparation time, we recommend beginning preparations at least two months in advance.

3. Understand When Change of Status is Required

When your activities change—such as transitioning from student to worker status, or from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker—you must apply for a change of status. Never make assumptions; always consult with specialists.

4. Consult Specialists When in Doubt

Certified administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) and attorneys possess accurate information and can provide appropriate advice regarding status of residence. Consulting professionals is far safer than making potentially catastrophic assumptions to save on professional fees.

5. Obtain Information from Reliable Sources

Information from social media or friends is not always accurate. Rely on official sources such as the Immigration Services Agency website and Ministry of Justice site.

For Employers of Foreign Workers: Ensuring Proper Management of Foreign Employees

1. Thoroughly Verify Residence Cards

When hiring, always examine the original residence card and verify the following:

  • Status of residence type (work authorization)
  • Period of stay (expiration date)
  • Work restrictions (“No restriction on employment” or “Not permitted to engage in any remunerative activities”)
  • Photo matches individual
  • IC chip verification (using dedicated application)

2. Establish Period of Stay Management Systems

Implement a centralized management system for employee residence periods, with automatic alerts 2-3 months before expiration. While Excel-based management is possible, integration into HR systems provides more reliable management.

3. Provide Support for Renewal Procedures

Establish systems to promptly issue letters of recommendation and employment certificates when foreign employees apply for extension of period of stay. Consider accommodating time off for application procedures.

4. Conduct Regular Training

Provide periodic training for HR personnel on the status of residence system. As regulations frequently change, staying current with the latest information is essential.

5. Establish Professional Consultation Networks

Partner with gyoseishoshi immigration specialists or attorneys to create systems for immediate consultation when questions arise. This prevents costly errors from uninformed decisions.

Services Provided by Gyoseishoshi Immigration Specialists

As specialists in immigration procedures, we provide the following support services:

Individual Services

  • Application for extension of period of stay
  • Application for change of status of residence
  • Application for permanent residence
  • Application for naturalization
  • Application for certificate of eligibility (family invitation, etc.)
  • Application for special permission to stay
  • Various notification support

Corporate Services

  • Foreign employment consulting
  • Status of residence eligibility assessment
  • Work visa acquisition support
  • Internal residence management system development
  • Specified Skilled Worker acceptance support
  • Immigration bureau response advice
  • HR personnel training

Conclusion: Proper Residence Management as the Foundation of Security

The 2025 overstay statistics convey an important message: the critical importance of status of residence management and the reality that “I didn’t know” is not an acceptable excuse.

As the government pursues its goal of zero illegal residents, enforcement will only intensify. However, with proper knowledge, preparation, and professional support, preventing illegal status is entirely achievable.

For foreign residents in Japan, we urge you to accurately understand your status of residence and expiration date, and to approach renewal procedures with ample time.

For business owners and HR personnel, we ask that you recognize foreign employee residence management as a business risk and establish appropriate management systems.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding status of residence, please do not hesitate to consult with specialists. Early action is the best approach for continuing to live and work in Japan with peace of mind.

Proper residence management serves as the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable society—for foreign nationals themselves, for employing companies, and for Japanese society as a whole.

Reference article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/40ebf2c92a4060966211d701f3d282f06867ffa7

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