Japan to increase immigration officers amid concerns over Korean undocumented residents

Japan is set to bolster its immigration control workforce by over 200 personnel, signaling a heightened crackdown on undocumented foreign residents. This initiative is anticipated to impact an estimated 10,000 Koreans currently living in Japan without valid legal status. The move by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) is described as an emergency measure to address the growing number of individuals overstaying their visas.

Historically, Japan experienced a surge in undocumented workers in the early 1990s due to labor shortages during its economic bubble. Many entered on tourist visas and overstayed, particularly in sectors like construction and hospitality. While the number of undocumented foreigners has decreased over the years, the ISA reported 74,863 such individuals in the past year, with Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean nationals forming the largest groups.

The intensified enforcement comes amid a rise in anti-foreigner sentiment in Japan. The ISA has launched a "Zero Illegal Residents Plan," aiming to create a secure society by swiftly deporting those without legal status. The agency states this plan is crucial for ensuring public safety and security, framing undocumented immigrants as a threat to national well-being.

However, the plan has drawn sharp criticism from legal professionals and civic groups in Japan. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations has condemned the "Zero Illegal Residents Plan" as discriminatory and a potential violation of international human rights law, arguing that it unfairly labels all undocumented foreigners as threats. Similarly, the National Network of Lawyers for Migrants has criticized the policy as xenophobic, particularly as it fails to differentiate individuals with various circumstances, including refugees, who may lack proper documentation. Critics also point out the contradiction with Japan's past reliance on undocumented labor to fill workforce gaps, especially in rural agricultural areas.