The immigration control and residency management system of Japan is the legal and administrative framework through which the Japanese government regulates the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals and issues the various statuses of residence recognized under Japanese law. The system is administered by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA), an agency of the Ministry of Justice.
Legal basis
The framework is primarily established by the Immigration Control Act (Act No. 58 of 1951). Article 1 states that the purpose of the law is “to ensure the fair management of the entry and exit of all persons who enter or leave the country.” Article 2 defines key terms such as “foreign national” and “passport.” 【3†source】
Main functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Entry management | Inspection of arriving passengers, issuance of landing permission, and determination of admissibility based on security, public order, and health considerations. |
| Residency management | Granting, renewing, and revoking residence statuses; issuance of residence cards (在留カード) and certificates of eligibility; operation of an online residence‑procedure system. |
| Departure and deportation | Monitoring exits, enforcing removal orders for foreign nationals who violate immigration laws or pose a threat to public safety. |
| Policy implementation | Carrying out special programmes such as the points‑based system for highly‑skilled professionals, the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) scheme, and measures to attract foreign entrepreneurs, students, and workers in strategic sectors. |
Key residence categories and programmes
- Highly‑Skilled Professional (i) and (ii) – Points‑based categories that provide preferential treatment, such as a shortened period required for permanent‑residence applications. 【2†source】
- Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) – Introduced to address labour shortages in 14 designated fields; the system includes field‑specific operation policies and online notifications for employers and workers. 【2†source】
- National Strategic Special Zones – Allows limited acceptance of foreign nationals (e.g., entrepreneurs, agricultural workers, overseas‑demand developers) under tailored conditions. 【2†source】
- Fourth‑generation Japanese descendants – Measures facilitating residence for foreign nationals of Japanese ancestry. 【2†source】
- Cool Japan and cultural‑industry initiatives – Promotion of foreign talent in fashion, culinary arts, and other cultural sectors. 【2†source】
Administrative structure
The ISA operates under the Minister of Justice and is responsible for the day‑to‑day execution of immigration law, including the operation of immigration checkpoints at airports and seaports, the processing of applications for status of residence, and the enforcement of deportation orders. The agency publishes annual reports and policy documents, such as the “2022 Immigration Control and Residency Management” report, which detail statistics, policy changes, and operational guidelines. 【1†source】【2†source】
Recent developments (as of 2023–2024)
- Expansion of the online residence‑procedure system to streamline applications and notifications.
- Continuation of the SSW programme with periodic adjustments to the list of eligible occupations.
- Ongoing revision of the points‑based system to attract additional highly‑skilled professionals in fields aligned with Japan’s economic strategy.
References
- Ministry of Justice, Immigration Services Agency. Immigration Control and Residency Management (PDF). https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001454249.pdf
- Ministry of Justice, Immigration Services Agency. 2022 Immigration Control and Residency Management (PDF). https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001385114.pdf
- Monolith Law Office. “Legal Framework of Japan's Immigration Control System: An Explanation of Entry, Landing, and Departure Management.” https://monolith.law/en/general-corporate/immigration-control-japan
All information presented is based on the cited official Japanese government documents and legal analyses. No unverified speculation is included.