South Korean Man Arrested in Japan After 26 Years of Illegal Stay

A 72-year-old South Korean man has been arrested in Japan after living in the country illegally for over 26 years, according to reports. The man initially entered Japan in September 1993 with a tourist visa that was valid for only 15 days.

He was apprehended for overstaying his visa, an act that has become punishable under Japanese immigration law amendments. While visa overstays prior to February 2000 were not penalized, local media reported that this individual had continuously resided and worked in Japan since his initial entry.

Japanese police reportedly began investigating the case in June following an anonymous tip. During questioning, the man admitted to spending 26 years in Japan without a valid visa and working various daily jobs. It remains unclear how he managed to secure employment or whether he will face deportation back to South Korea.

Under Japanese law, foreigners are prohibited from overstaying their permitted duration of stay or engaging in activities not permitted by their visa status. Overstaying can lead to imprisonment, with or without forced labor, for up to three years or a fine of up to three million yen ($18,733). As of January this year, Japan had recorded 68,488 visa overstayers.