TOKYO — Japan has begun sharing personal information on foreigners subject to deportation proceedings with local governments, as the government reviews its policies concerning foreigners under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
The Immigration Services Agency previously shared such information only with the consent of the individuals concerned, sometimes leaving local authorities unable to determine the whereabouts of foreigners undergoing deportation procedures.
The new approach is intended to strengthen coordination between the central and local governments and enable authorities to respond more appropriately, as reported by The Japan Times.
In July, the agency provided local governments with the names, addresses, nationalities and dates of birth of foreigners who were subject to deportation proceedings and were living outside immigration facilities as of the end of June.
The agency plans to update local governments monthly on changes involving these individuals, including relocations and deportations to their home countries. Local authorities will also be able to request the information when necessary.
Under Japan's immigration control law, foreigners who overstay their authorised period of stay or commit certain offences may be subject to deportation.
However, deportation does not take place immediately. Individuals may remain in Japan while authorities investigate alleged violations and conduct hearings.
Some foreigners facing deportation proceedings may also be granted provisional release for health or humanitarian reasons. Others may be placed under a supervision system that allows them to live outside immigration facilities under the oversight of a supervisor, such as a relative or friend.
Those granted provisional release or placed under supervision are subject to restrictions on their residence and movements.
The lack of information available to local governments has created difficulties in providing public services, including education and healthcare. Foreigners subject to deportation proceedings may lose their residence records, while the whereabouts of some individuals may become unknown to local authorities.
According to the Immigration Services Agency, 18,442 foreigners were subject to deportation procedures in 2025.
As of the end of last year, 2,429 foreigners were on provisional release, while another 1,546 were under supervisory measures.
