On Friday, August 4, 2023, Japan’s Justice Ministry announced that non-Japanese minors born, raised, and educated in Japan may be eligible for special permission to reside in the country.
Key Details:
- Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- In the review process, the minor’s parents will be subject to a review of past conduct, including any criminal activity, if they entered or resided in Japan illegally, whether they have immigration-related violations, or have engaged in drugs or other activities.
The provision for minors follows an earlier revision to Japan’s asylum laws. It is intended to protect minors whose parents are impacted and, therefore, would be without residency and at risk of deportation. Based on data from the Immigration Services Agency, approximately 4,250 people instructed to leave Japan refused to; of them, about 200 were minors born in Japan.
Erickson Insights
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.