Japan Immigration News

Japan nixes advance deportation notice to lawyers of foreigners

Release Date: 2026-02-16
Media: The Mainichi
Summary: The Japanese government has ended a system, in place since 2010, that generally required lawyers representing foreign nationals to be notified two months before their clients’ deportation. The Immigration Services Agency implemented the change on Feb. 1, citing cases where foreigners disappeared after receiving advance notice.

The notification system had been introduced to help lawyers prepare legal challenges, as many foreigners facing deportation file lawsuits to stop it. In 2024, there were 249 deportations with escort officers, and about 50 advance notices were issued by the Tokyo bureau in 2025. However, since 2019, at least seven individuals reportedly went missing after such notices, and related protests disrupted operations.

After unsuccessful discussions with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, the agency decided to abolish the lawyer notification system. Instead, foreign nationals themselves will be informed that deportation is deferred for one month, giving them time to file lawsuits.

The bar association criticized the move as unilateral and insufficient, arguing that the one-month period is too short to secure judicial relief. The policy change is part of a broader government plan to tighten measures on foreigners and double escorted deportations between 2024 and 2027.
Tags: Deportation

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