Japan Shares Data on Foreigners Facing Deportation with Local Govts

Tokyo, Aug. 10 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has started sharing personal information on foreign nationals subject to deportation proceedings with local governments, as part of a review of policies concerning foreigners pursued by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Previously, such information was shared only when there was consent from affected individuals, sometimes leaving local governments unable to grasp the whereabouts of foreigners subject to deportation proceedings. The latest move is aimed at promoting appropriate responses through cooperation between the central and local governments. In July, the agency informed local governments of the number, names, addresses, nationalities and dates of birth of foreign nationals who were subject to deportation proceedings and living outside immigration facilities as of the end of June. Going forward, the agency plans to provide monthly updates on such foreign nationals’ relocations or returns to their home countries. Information will also be made available upon request from local governments. Under the immigration control law, foreigners who overstay their authorized periods of stay or commit certain crimes are subject to deportation. Such people are not immediately deported, however. They are allowed to remain in Japan while investigations into violations and hearings are conducted. In addition to those staying at immigration facilities, some individuals subject to deportation procedures may be granted provisional release due to health or humanitarian issues. Others may be placed under a supervision system, which allows them to live outside immigration facilities under the oversight of a supervisor, such as a relative or friend. Those on provisional release or under the supervision system are subject to certain restrictions on their residences and movements. Meanwhile, local governments often face difficulties grasping the situations of such foreign nationals because those subject to deportation proceedings lose their residence records, and some people’s whereabouts become unknown. This has created challenges in providing public services such as education and health care. According to the agency, 18,442 foreign nationals were subjected to deportation procedures in 2025. As of the end of last year, 2,429 individuals were on provisional release and 1,546 were under supervisory measures. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]