Japan Immigration News

Deportations double under ‘zero illegal residents’ plan

Release Date: 2025-11-05
Media: The Asahi Shimbun
Summary: Japan’s Immigration Services Agency reported that the number of deportations accompanied by immigration officers doubled in the first three months of the government’s “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan.” From June to August, 119 people were deported, including children who had grown up in Japan, and some families were separated. Many deportees were from Turkey, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and China.

The plan aims to halve the number of people with finalized deportation orders by 2030. A revised immigration law now allows authorities to deport people applying for refugee status for the third time or more without new grounds, or those sentenced to three or more years in prison. About 30% of the deported individuals were refugee applicants under these rules.

Meanwhile, the number of new entrants to Japan has surged, and the total number of overstayers has declined compared to the 1990s. However, rights groups criticize the plan, arguing it harms people who have built their lives in Japan, including children, and fosters discrimination by linking “irregular migrants” to public safety concerns. Organizations like the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and Amnesty International warn that the policy may wrongfully deport people who merit protection, such as refugees.
Tags: Deportation

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