Japan Amends Immigration Control Act

2010POEA MARKET UPDATE NO. 19-10JAPAN AMENDS IMMIGRATION CONTROL ACTThe law for partial amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act was promulgated by the Japanese government on 15 July 2009. The amended law introduced a new system of residence management which includes, among others, the issuance of Special Permanent Resident Certificates, revision of training and technical internship programs, integration of the status of residence of college and pre-college students and the establishment of the Immigration Detention Facilities Visiting Committee. The major points of the amended law are as follows:1. Introduction of a new system of residence management (to take effect within 3 years from date of promulgation)• The period of stay of foreign nationals residing legally in Japan from medium to long term is extended from 3 to 5 years• A foreign national will be exempt from filing an application for re-entry in case he/she will re-enter Japan within one year from departure• The validity of re-entry permit is extended from 4 to 6 years2. Issuance of Special Permanent Resident Certificates to qualified foreign...