A new law amending parts of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act was promulgated and
revised law contains new provisions for establishment of a framework for preventative measures against acts
of terrorism. As part of this framework, a new anti-terrorism measure is to be implemented, which requires
the submission of personal identification information at immigration control. According to the new law, all foreign nationals will be required to be fingerprinted and photographed.
Effective date: From November 20th , 2007 JST~
Applicable person: All foreign nationals entering Japan will be subject to the new provisions, except from the following,
| [EXCEPTION] |
| 1) Special permanent residents |
| 2) Persons under 16 years of age |
| 3) Those persons performing activities which fall under the status of residence for ‘Diplomat’or ‘Official’ |
| 4) Those persons who have been invited by the head of any national administrative organization. |
| 5) Those persons who are prescribed by the Ministry of Justice ordinance as equivalent to either 3) or 4). |
|
New Immigration procedures:
| 1) A person wishing to enter Japan must submit his/her passport to the immigration control officer. |
|
| 2) |
Once the immigration control officer has explained the procedures for passengers, the person wishing
to enter Japan will be asked to place the index fingers of both hands on a digital fingerprint reader.
The fingerprint information will be read and stored electromagnetically. |
|
| 3) A facial photograph will be taken, using the camera located at the top of the digital fingerprint reader. |
|
| 4) The immigration control officer will conduct a short interview. |
|
| 5) |
On completion of the above procedures, the person wishing to enter Japan will receive his/her passport from
the immigration control officer. |
|
Notes:
| - |
In the event a foreign national, who is required by the new law to be fingerprinted and photographed, refuses to submit to these provisions, that person will not be permitted to enter Japan, and will be required to leave the country. |
| - |
If a passenger's ED card is not completely filled, he/she may be subject to a longer processing time through immigration. So, please fill out your ED card thoroughly. |
| - |
Further information may be obtained from The Ministry of Justice . |
