- Introduction: The Growing Concern of Foreign National Crime and the Critical Importance of Status of Residence Management
- Understanding the Reality of Foreign National Crime Through National Police Agency Data
- Trends in Arrests and Breakdown by Nationality
- Breakdown by Nationality:
- Criminal Offense Breakdown: Theft Accounts for More Than Half
- Trends by Status of Residence: Increase Among Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker Categories
- Accomplice Cases Four Times Higher Than Japanese Nationals
- Exploring the Root Causes Behind the Increase in Foreign National Crime
- Status of Residence Management and Compliance Measures for Companies Employing Foreign Workers
- Essential Guidelines for Foreign Nationals Residing in Japan
- What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Comprehensive Support from Status of Residence Legal Specialists
- Conclusion: Proper Status of Residence Management Creates the Foundation for a Harmonious Multicultural Society
Introduction: The Growing Concern of Foreign National Crime and the Critical Importance of Status of Residence Management
In 2025, according to data released by the National Police Agency, the number of foreign nationals arrested for crimes in Japan reached 12,777, marking the third consecutive year of increase. This statistic represents a sobering reality that cannot be overlooked by companies employing foreign workers or by foreign nationals residing in Japan.
However, we must not draw the simplistic conclusion that “foreigners are dangerous” from these statistics. Rather, as administrative scriveners and visa application specialists, we believe it is essential to examine this issue from the perspective of “Why is this increasing?” and “How can we prevent it?” A deeper analysis is necessary.
In this article, we will analyze the National Police Agency data in detail and explain the measures that both companies and foreign nationals themselves should take from the perspective of status of residence management, based on our practical experience in immigration law.
Understanding the Reality of Foreign National Crime Through National Police Agency Data
Trends in Arrests and Breakdown by Nationality
The status of foreign national crime arrests in 2025 is as follows:
Number of arrests: 12,777 people (third consecutive year of increase)
Number of cases: 25,480 cases (also showing a third consecutive year of increase)
Breakdown by Nationality:
- Vietnam: 4,167 people (32.6% of total)
- China: 2,062 people (16.1% of total)
- Philippines: 714 people (5.6% of total)
Vietnam and China alone account for approximately 50% of all arrests. There has been a particularly dramatic increase in crimes by Vietnamese nationals, representing a significant shift from the past when Chinese nationals constituted the majority.
Criminal Offense Breakdown: Theft Accounts for More Than Half
Among criminal offenses committed by Vietnamese nationals:
- Theft: 51.9% (of which shoplifting accounts for 28.8%)
- Other crimes: 48.1%
Theft crimes, particularly shoplifting, are disproportionately high. This pattern strongly suggests the existence of organized shoplifting groups operating systematically.
Trends by Status of Residence: Increase Among Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker Categories
Particularly concerning is the increasing trend of criminal offenses committed by those holding work-related statuses of residence such as Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker. These programs were originally established to address Japan’s labor shortage, but structural issues in their design and implementation may be contributing factors to the rise in criminal activity.
Accomplice Cases Four Times Higher Than Japanese Nationals
45.3% of criminal offenses involving foreign nationals were accomplice cases. This rate is approximately four times higher than the 11.5% rate for Japanese nationals. This significantly higher rate of accomplice involvement clearly indicates that foreign national crime tends to be more organized and coordinated.
Exploring the Root Causes Behind the Increase in Foreign National Crime
Language and Cultural Barriers Leading to Social Isolation
Insufficient Japanese language proficiency, lack of understanding of Japanese laws and customs, and having no one to consult with—such isolation creates vulnerabilities that criminal organizations exploit. There are numerous documented cases where individuals are approached via social media in their native language and, before they fully comprehend the situation, have become unwitting accomplices in criminal activities.
Structural Problems in the Technical Intern Training System
The Technical Intern Training system suffers from several fundamental structural issues:
- Virtually no freedom to change jobs (in principle, trainees cannot change training locations)
- Forced to endure poor working conditions with limited recourse
- Rampant labor law violations including unpaid wages and excessive working hours
- High debt burden upon arrival as many trainees come to Japan already indebted, making them economically vulnerable
Under these circumstances, it is unfortunate but true that some technical intern trainees succumb to offers promising “quick and easy money.”
Challenges in the Specified Skilled Worker System
Similar problems persist in the Specified Skilled Worker system, even for those who transition from Technical Intern Training. While job changes become theoretically possible, without proper information and adequate support systems, workers often remain in unstable and vulnerable situations.
Contact with Criminal Organizations Through Social Media Platforms
Modern criminal organizations skillfully utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, and LINE to contact potential targets in their native languages. They lure vulnerable individuals with enticing promises like “easy money” or “you’ll be safe with friends helping you,” and by the time victims realize the true nature of these activities, they are already deeply involved in criminal operations.
Status of Residence Management and Compliance Measures for Companies Employing Foreign Workers
Status of Residence Verification at Time of Hiring is Mandatory
When employing foreign nationals, companies must always verify the following:
- Original Residence Card verification (photocopies alone are insufficient)
- Type of status of residence and the legally permissible scope of work activities
- Period of stay expiration date
- Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted (required for part-time work)
Each status of residence category, such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Technical Intern Training,” or “Specified Skilled Worker,” has strictly defined permitted occupations and working hours. Violations can result in serious penalties for employers as well as employees.
Regular and Systematic Review of Residence Management
Continuous management is critically important, not merely at the initial time of hiring:
- Create and maintain a residence period management ledger
- Implement systematic reminders for renewal procedures
- Conduct status of residence compatibility checks during job changes or departmental transfers
- Perform regular reviews of working conditions to ensure ongoing compliance
Building Comprehensive Support Systems for Foreign Employees
Daily support and accessible resources are essential to prevent employees from becoming involved in criminal activities:
- Establish consultation services in employees’ native languages
- Conduct thorough life orientation sessions covering practical daily living matters
- Provide regular training on Japanese laws and cultural norms
- Distribute comprehensive contact lists for various support resources when problems arise
- Hold regular individual interviews to listen to concerns and identify issues early
Collaboration with Specialists Such as Administrative Scriveners
Status of residence procedures are complex and technical, and immigration laws are frequently revised. Rather than attempting to handle all matters in-house, we strongly recommend establishing collaborative relationships with specialists such as administrative scriveners.
As administrative scriveners, we can provide:
- Representation for status of residence applications and renewals
- Comprehensive foreign employment compliance audits for companies
- Expert advice on appropriate responses when problems arise
- Timely information updates on the latest immigration law revisions and policy changes
This comprehensive professional support helps companies maintain full compliance while protecting their valuable foreign employees.
Ensuring Proper and Fair Working Conditions
The background factors leading technical intern trainees and specified skilled workers toward criminal activity often include exploitative and substandard working conditions.
Companies must strictly adhere to the following requirements:
- Payment of at least the legally mandated minimum wage
- Proper management and recording of working hours (including appropriate payment of overtime)
- Ensuring comprehensive occupational safety and health standards
- Granting legally required paid leave
- Enrollment in mandatory social insurance programs
The misguided notion that “technical intern trainees can be hired cheaply and treated differently” is not only ethically wrong but legally impermissible. Treatment equal to or better than that provided to Japanese workers is legally required and morally imperative.
Essential Guidelines for Foreign Nationals Residing in Japan
Properly Understanding the Rules and Restrictions of Your Status of Residence
Please ensure you accurately understand what activities you can and cannot engage in under your specific status of residence.
- Work restrictions: Permitted occupations, industries, and working hours are specifically defined
- Period of stay: Allowing your period to expire makes you an illegal overstayer
- Notification obligations: Changes of address, workplace, marital status, and other significant life events must be officially reported
If you have any questions or uncertainties, please consult with an administrative scrivener or contact your local immigration office directly.
Never Fall for Suspicious Offers on Social Media
Offers promising “easy money” or “high income in a short time with minimal effort” are almost invariably scams or invitations to participate in criminal activities.
Be especially cautious and immediately reject offers such as:
- “Just deliver packages” → Drug trafficking or stolen goods courier operations
- “Just shop on someone’s behalf” → Organized retail theft and shoplifting rings
- “Just lend your bank account” → Money laundering and concealment of criminal proceeds
- “Just sign up for mobile phone contracts” → Complicity in wire fraud and special fraud schemes
Even if you claim you “didn’t know” the true nature of these activities, if you participate in criminal conduct, you will face legal punishment. This can lead to cancellation of your status of residence, detention, and deportation.
Don’t Suffer Alone—Seek Professional Consultation When Facing Difficulties
If you are experiencing any of the following problems:
- Conflicts or unfair treatment at your workplace
- Unpaid wages or other labor violations
- Concerns about whether your status of residence can be renewed
- Overwhelming debt or financial distress
Please do not carry these serious concerns alone. The following consultation services are available to help you:
- Administrative scriveners (status of residence legal specialists)
- Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC)
- Labor Standards Inspection Office (for workplace and labor issues)
- Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu) (for general legal consultation)
- Your country’s embassy or consulate
There are numerous systems, organizations, and support services specifically designed to protect foreign nationals who are working honestly and trying to comply with the law.
Never Miss Your Residence Period Deadline
The moment your residence period expires, you immediately become an “illegal overstayer.” Illegal overstay is a criminal offense under Japanese law.
Renewal applications can be submitted starting three months before the expiration date. Prepare your documents early and be absolutely certain to apply well within the deadline.
If you engage an administrative scrivener, they can handle everything from document preparation to submission, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: Comprehensive Support from Status of Residence Legal Specialists
Representation for Status of Residence Application, Change, and Renewal Procedures
Status of residence procedures are notably complex, require numerous supporting documents, and must be completed accurately in Japanese. Even minor errors can result in application denial with serious consequences.
Niseko Visa Application Support Center can provide complete representation (application agency services) for the following procedures:
- Certificate of Eligibility application (when inviting someone to come to Japan from overseas)
- Status of residence change permission application (when changing from one status category to another)
- Period of stay extension permission application (when extending your authorized stay period)
- Permanent residence permission application
- Naturalization permission application
Comprehensive Compliance Audits for Companies
For companies currently employing or considering employing foreign nationals:
- Audit current employment practices to verify full compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- Support creation and maintenance of residence management ledgers and tracking systems
- Conduct in-house training sessions for HR staff and management
- Provide regular compliance diagnostic assessments to identify and address potential issues
Expert Support for Responding to Legal Problems and Emergencies
- Appropriate legal response strategies when illegal employment is discovered
- Legal representation and advocacy in response to status of residence revocation measures
- Legal guidance and support during deportation proceedings
- Labor dispute resolution support (in close coordination with licensed social insurance labor consultants)
Providing Latest Legal Information and Strategic Advice
Immigration laws and policies are revised frequently, sometimes with little advance notice. We continuously monitor all developments and provide our clients with timely, accurate information and strategic advice to ensure ongoing compliance.
Conclusion: Proper Status of Residence Management Creates the Foundation for a Harmonious Multicultural Society
The data showing an increase in crimes involving foreign nationals should emphatically not be interpreted as evidence that foreign nationals as a whole pose a danger to Japanese society. Rather, this information should be used constructively as material to seriously consider “Why is this pattern occurring?” and “How can we effectively prevent it?”
The overwhelming majority of foreign nationals work honestly, diligently, and in full compliance with Japanese laws. Creating an environment where these hardworking individuals can work and live with security and peace of mind will ultimately contribute to reducing criminal activity and building a stronger, more inclusive society.
Companies bear responsibility for:
- Maintaining proper and systematic status of residence management
- Ensuring full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
- Building comprehensive support systems for their foreign employees
Foreign nationals must:
- Properly understand the specific rules and restrictions of their status of residence
- Seek professional consultation rather than suffering alone when facing difficulties
- Remain vigilant against criminal recruitment and exploitation
As administrative scriveners, we serve as a vital “bridge” between companies and foreign nationals, supporting proper status of residence management for all parties.
If you have any concerns, questions, or uncertainties about immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact us for professional consultation.
Reference Materials: National Police Agency “Status of Foreign National Crime Arrests (Reiwa 6/2024)” https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/2cc94955976fe499020a78607d355999e35a5c1f
Contact Information: For consultations regarding status of residence applications, visa matters, or foreign employment compliance issues, please feel free to contact us at any time. Initial consultations are provided free of charge.
