New Immigration: ID Submission Requirements.pdf

On 24th May 2006, a new law amending parts of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act was promulgated and is due to enter into force by November 23, 2007. The revised law contains new provisions for the establishment of a framework for preventative measures against acts of terrorism. As part of this framework, a new anti-terrorism measure is to be implemented, which requires the submission of personal identification information at immigration control. Under the new immigration procedures, when foreign nationals are applying for landing, fingerprints and a facial photograph will be taken after which an immigration control officer shall conduct an examination for landing. In the event of any foreign national, who is required by the new law to be fingerprinted and photographed, refusing to submit to these new provisions, that person will not be permitted to enter Japan, and will be required to leave the country. All foreign nationals entering Japan will be subject to the new provisions, apart from special permanent residents, persons under 16 years of age, those performing activities which fall under the status of residence for 'Diplomat' or 'Official', those persons who have been invited by the head of any national administrative organization, and those persons who are prescribed by the Ministry of Justice ordinance as equivalent to either (3) or (4). Applicants will be required to follow the procedures: submit their passport to the immigration control officer, place their index fingers on a digital fingerprint reader, have a facial photograph taken, undergo a short interview, and receive their passport from the immigration control officer. The personally identifying information which is submitted at immigration control will be stored and protected according to the basic law for the protection of personal data, the Act for the Protection of Personal Information Retained by Administrative Institutions. If a person is not able to provide a fingerprint from their index finger, they will be required to provide a fingerprint from another finger, according to an order drawn up by the Ministry of Justice. If a person refuses to submit personally identifying information, they will be denied entry to Japan and ordered to leave. The personal information which is submitted at immigration control will be stored and protected properly, and all necessary measures will be put in place to ensure the safety and security of the data.