Japan shares data on foreign nationals facing deportation with local governments

The Immigration Services Agency in Japan has begun sharing personal details of foreign nationals facing deportation proceedings with local governments, as part of a policy review overseen by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Previously, such information was only shared with consent from affected individuals, leaving local governments uncertain about the whereabouts of those subject to deportation.

In July, the agency provided local governments with the names, addresses, nationalities, and birth dates of foreign nationals subject to deportation who were living outside immigration facilities as of June. Going forward, the agency intends to offer monthly updates on the relocations or deportations of these individuals to their home countries. Local governments will also have access to this information upon request.

Deportation is typically reserved for foreign nationals who overstay their authorized stay periods or commit certain crimes. However, they are not immediately removed from Japan; they remain until investigations and hearings are completed. Some individuals may be granted provisional release due to health or humanitarian reasons, while others may be placed under a supervision system, allowing them to live outside immigration facilities under a supervisor's oversight, such as a relative or friend. These individuals face restrictions on their residences and movements.

The lack of information on those subject to deportation has posed challenges for local governments in providing public services like education and healthcare. According to the agency, 18,442 foreign nationals faced deportation procedures in 2025, with 2,429 individuals on provisional release and 1,546 under supervision as of the end of 2024.