Introduction
In September 2026, a Vietnamese national who entered Japan as a technical intern trainee was arrested in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (illegal overstay). According to reports, this individual entered Japan in September 2023 as a technical intern trainee but had their status of residence revoked on July 8, 2026, and was ordered to leave Japan within one week. Despite this order, they remained in the country illegally.
This case is not someone else’s problem—it could happen to anyone. Revocation of status of residence is a risk that any foreign resident may face. This article provides a detailed explanation from a professional perspective on the mechanism of status revocation, appropriate responses when revocation occurs, and the serious consequences of illegal overstay.
What Is the Status of Residence Revocation System?
Overview of the System
Revocation of status of residence is a system under Article 22-4 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, whereby the Minister of Justice (in practice, regional immigration bureaus) retroactively revokes a status of residence that has already been granted.
This system is invoked when the conditions underlying the status of residence are no longer met, such as when the status was obtained through false application or when the holder is not engaging in activities corresponding to the status.
Main Grounds for Revocation
The main grounds for revoking a status of residence include:
- Submission of False Documents: Submitting false documents when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility, or when applying for a change or extension of status of residence.
- Non-Engagement in Designated Activities Without Justifiable Reason: Not engaging in activities corresponding to the status of residence for three months or more without justifiable reason (e.g., holding a “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status but only performing simple factory labor).
- Discontinuation of Spousal Activities: For those with “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” or “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” status, not engaging in spousal activities for six months or more without justifiable reason (such as attempting to maintain status after divorce).
- Violation of Residence Notification Obligations: Medium- to long-term residents who fail to report their place of residence or submit false reports.
- Engaging in Unauthorized Activities: Engaging in activities outside the permitted scope without permission, or exceeding the scope of permitted activities.
In the current case, while the specific grounds for revocation were not reported, common reasons for revocation among technical intern trainees include absconding from the training site or engaging in activities different from the training plan.
Process of Revocation Procedure
The revocation procedure proceeds as follows:
- Investigation Initiation: Immigration authorities identify potential grounds for revocation.
- Notice of Hearing: The individual is given an opportunity for a hearing.
- Hearing: The individual has an opportunity to present their case.
- Revocation Decision: The Minister of Justice (or bureau chief) decides on revocation.
- Departure Preparation Period: Typically, a period of 15 to 30 days is designated for departure preparation.
What to Do If You Receive a Revocation Notice
First Stage: Accurately Understanding the Notice
Upon receiving a notice of status revocation, first confirm the following points accurately:
- Reason for Revocation: What is the issue?
- Departure Preparation Period: By when must you leave Japan?
- Possibility of Appeal: Methods and deadlines for filing objections.
The notice is usually delivered in writing. If you do not understand the content, consult a specialist immediately.
Second Stage: Emergency Consultation with a Specialist
Revocation of status of residence is a time-critical issue. Upon receiving the notice, consult an administrative scrivener or attorney as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours).
Consulting a specialist allows you to:
- Legally examine the validity of the revocation.
- Determine the possibility of filing an appeal.
- Explore the possibility of changing to another status of residence.
- Receive support for appropriate departure preparation.
Third Stage: Considering an Appeal
If you disagree with the revocation, the following legal procedures may be available:
- Administrative Review: File a request for administrative review with the Minister of Justice under the Administrative Appeal Act.
- Revocation Lawsuit: File a lawsuit in court under the Administrative Case Litigation Act seeking invalidation of the revocation.
However, these procedures require specialized knowledge and are time-limited, so specialist support is essential.
Fourth Stage: Exploring Alternative Options
Even if overturning the revocation itself is difficult, the following alternatives may be available:
- Change to Another Status of Residence: For example, changing from “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” to “Designated Activities.”
- Application for Special Permission to Stay: When humanitarian considerations are necessary (such as having children with a Japanese spouse).
- Reapplication After Departure: After organizing the situation, aim to return to Japan with an appropriate status of residence.
Fifth Stage: Departure Preparation
In parallel with considering appeals and alternatives, you must also proceed with departure preparation:
- Booking flights
- Packing and shipping belongings
- Canceling housing contracts
- Settling bank accounts
- Completing withdrawal procedures for health insurance and pension
Plan carefully to ensure you can depart within the preparation period.
Serious Consequences of Illegal Overstay
As in the current case, if you do not leave within the departure preparation period, you become an “illegal overstayer,” with the following serious consequences:
Criminal Liability
Illegal overstay is subject to criminal penalties. Under Article 70 of the Immigration Control Act, you may face imprisonment for up to three years, imprisonment without work for up to three years, a fine of up to 3 million yen, or a combination thereof.
In this case, the individual was arrested in flagrante delicto, and criminal proceedings will proceed.
Deportation
Illegal overstayers are subject to deportation procedures under the Immigration Control Act. Once deportation is decided, you will be detained and forcibly removed from Japan.
Landing Refusal Period
If you are deported for illegal overstay, you will generally be refused entry to Japan for five years. The refusal period is longer in the following cases:
- Attempting to re-enter shortly after deportation: 10 years
- Multiple deportation records: 10 years
- Commission of serious crimes: Indefinite
In other words, once you are deported for illegal overstay, you cannot return to Japan for at least five years.
Impact on Career
A record of illegal overstay significantly affects your future career:
- Loss of employment opportunities in Japan
- Disadvantages when applying for visas to other countries
- Loss of professional credibility
Impact on Family
If you have family in Japan, deportation due to illegal overstay seriously affects family life:
- Separation from spouse or children
- Economic hardship for the family
- Changes in children’s educational environment
Measures Companies Should Take
For companies employing foreign workers, managing status of residence is an important responsibility.
Checks at the Time of Hiring
- Verify the authenticity of the residence card
- Confirm the type of status of residence and whether work is permitted
- Check the period of stay
- Confirm the presence of permission to engage in activities outside the scope (if necessary)
Management During Employment
- Regular checks of residence cards
- Reminders for renewal of periods of stay
- Confirmation that work content matches the status of residence
- Verification of status of residence when reassigning duties
Response When Problems Arise
When issues arise with an employee’s status of residence:
- Prompt consultation with a specialist
- Sufficient communication with the employee
- Provide as much support as possible (such as assistance with procedures to change status of residence)
- Thorough compliance with laws (avoiding the crime of promoting illegal employment)
If a company employs a foreign national illegally, it may face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 3 million yen (Article 73-2 of the Immigration Control Act).
Issues Specific to Technical Intern Trainees
The current case involves a technical intern trainee. The technical intern training system has its own specific issues.
Characteristics of the Technical Intern Training System
The technical intern training system is designed for foreign nationals to acquire skills in Japan, but training sites are limited, and in principle, changing jobs is not permitted.
The Problem of Absconding
Absconding by technical intern trainees has become a social issue. Main reasons for absconding include:
- Discrepancy in working conditions (actual conditions differ from what was promised)
- Long working hours and low wages
- Harassment
- Seeking higher wages elsewhere
Technical intern trainees who abscond become subject to revocation of status of residence.
Appropriate Consultation Channels
Consultation channels for technical intern trainees facing problems:
- Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT)
- Local labor standards inspection offices
- Attorneys and administrative scriveners
- Support organizations offering services in native languages
Absconding while holding onto problems only worsens the situation. Always consult appropriate channels.
How to Avoid Revocation of Status of Residence
To avoid revocation of status of residence, pay attention to the following points on a daily basis:
Maintain Activities Corresponding to Your Status of Residence
Understand the activities permitted under your status of residence and stay within that scope.
Diligently Submit Accurate Notifications
- Change of residence notification (within 14 days)
- Notification of change of affiliated organization
- Notification of changes in name, nationality, etc.
Manage Your Period of Stay
Applications for renewal can be submitted from three months before the expiration of your period of stay. Proceed with procedures well in advance.
Consult Early When Problems Arise
If you have any concerns about your status of residence, consult a specialist early. The sooner a problem is addressed, the easier it is to find a solution.
Conclusion
Revocation of status of residence is a very serious issue for foreign residents. The Uwajima City case demonstrates the consequences of failing to take appropriate action after revocation.
Key points to remember:
- If you receive a revocation notice, consult a specialist immediately.
- Strictly observe the departure preparation period.
- Illegal overstay is subject to criminal penalties and makes future entry to Japan difficult.
- Companies have a responsibility to properly manage the status of residence of foreign employees.
- If you face problems, consult appropriate channels rather than absconding.
With status of residence issues, delaying action by thinking “it’s still okay” is the most dangerous approach. Early detection and early response protect your future.
If you have concerns or questions about your status of residence, do not bear them alone—consult a specialist. We are here to help you find the best solution for your individual circumstances.
Reference: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/9811890c00bba6a3685e8a8f47d0aefc9f325ec6
