Japan shares data on foreign nationals facing deportation with local governments
Previously, such information was shared only when there was consent from affected individuals.
The Immigration Services Agency in Japan has begun sharing data on foreign nationals facing deportation with local governments. This shift in policy aims to improve cooperation between central and local authorities in handling deportation proceedings, as previously, this information was only shared with consent from affected individuals.
Previously, local governments lacked information about the whereabouts of foreign nationals under deportation proceedings, making it difficult for them to provide necessary public services such as education and healthcare. The agency's latest move involves notifying local governments of the number, names, addresses, nationalities, and dates of birth of foreign nationals subject to deportation, as of the end of June.
Moving forward, monthly updates on these individuals' relocations or deportations to their home countries will be provided.
Foreign nationals subject to deportation may be placed in various scenarios, including staying at immigration facilities, receiving provisional release due to health or humanitarian reasons, or being placed under a supervision system that allows them to live outside facilities under the oversight of a relative or friend. Those on provisional release or under supervision face restrictions on their residences and movements.
As of the end of last year, 18,442 foreign nationals were subject to deportation procedures, with 2,429 in provisional release and 1,546 under supervision. This new policy of sharing data aims to ensure that local governments have the necessary information to effectively manage and respond to deportation proceedings.
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