TOKYO: Japanese immigration authorities plan to utilise social media to strengthen efforts to crack down on foreign nationals overstaying their visas or working illegally.
Until now, they have taken action to issue departure orders and deportation procedures based on immigrants turning themselves in or information provided by the police.
However, by utilising social media to collect and analyse information, the Immigration Services Agency aims to more actively identify cases of illegal activity.
Illegal recruitment of workers and information about residence status forgery are spreading on social media.
By collecting and analysing such information, the agency intends to identify not only illegal workers but also individuals and businesses that employ them or arrange their employment.
The agency plans to introduce artificial intelligence and private sector analytical tools, aiming to begin operations next year or later.
It is also considering measures in regional areas, such as expanding consultation services, because local governments have been seeing an increase in inquiries from residents regarding concerns caused by illegal immigration and other issues.
According to the agency and other sources, a significant number of foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas are employed in Japan to earn a living.
Illegal employment, which is not adequately monitored by the government, can lead to a complex mix of problems such as poor working conditions, unpaid taxes and conflicts with local residents, making it an urgent issue to address.
Last July, the government established a new command centre in the Cabinet Secretariat to address issues related to foreign nationals in Japan.
The Immigration Services Agency has strengthened its crackdown on illegal stays and employment, and last year it apprehended 1,837 people involved, an increase of 459 from the previous year.
As of Jan. 1, the number of illegal immigrants was 68,488, a decrease of 6,375 from the same date last year. - The Japan News/ANN
