The amended Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act of Japan will take effect on 23 November 2007. The law contains new provisions for the establishment of preventive measures to combat acts of terrorism through the submission of personal identification information at the immigration control.

Under the new procedure, foreign nationals who enter through the airports of Japan, will be required to undergo fingerprinting and will be photographed (facial photographs) by means of special devices.

The new procedure will apply to all foreign nationals upon their entry into Japan, including those with re-entry permits. The following are, however, exempted under the new law:

1. Special permanent residents
2. Persons under the age of 16
3. Persons engaged in activities which fall under the status of residence for œDiplomat  or œOfficial 
4. Persons invited by the heads of administrative organs
5. Persons provided for by the Ministry of Justice Ordinance as equivalent to a person listed in 3 and 4

Foreign nationals who do not fall under any of the above categories, but refuse to submit their fingerprints or photographs, will be denied entry into Japan.

For the information of all concerned.