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Visa overstayers in Japan face stigma of criminality

Release Date
2025-04-22
Media
Japan Today
Summary
In Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, a Filipina woman was detained by Japanese police and immigration officers for overstaying her visa, highlighting Japan’s strict approach to immigration law enforcement. On the same day, three other Filipinos were also detained under similar circumstances, though none faced charges beyond visa violations.

Over 90% of the 18,908 foreigners deported from Japan in 2024 had overstayed their visas. Gunma ranks high nationally in terms of crimes attributed to foreigners, though many cases involve undocumented status rather than serious criminal acts.

Critics argue that overstaying a visa is treated too harshly in Japan, with immigrants often detained like criminals. Some, like a Vietnamese Buddhist nun in Saitama, advocate for more compassionate treatment, noting that many overstay due to job loss or exploitation, especially during the pandemic.

While international bodies like the UN and EU recommend using neutral terms such as "undocumented" instead of "illegal," Japan has been slow to adopt this change. However, a nonprofit organization in Japan is pushing for more human rights–oriented language to reduce discrimination against migrants.
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