Japan Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Workers, Will Deport Foreign Employers

Central Message

(Central News Agency, Tokyo, June 14 — Comprehensive foreign media report) According to statistics from Japan's Immigration Services Agency, approximately 18,400 foreign nationals were forcibly deported or subjected to departure orders in 2025 due to illegal residence, with over 70%—about 13,400 individuals—confirmed as illegal workers. In response, the agency has compiled a new set of 'Measures Against Illegal Employment'.

The Sankei Shimbun reports that the new measures specifically strengthen enforcement against employers, clearly stating that if the employer is also a foreign national, 'regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings, they will be actively subjected to forced deportation based on information provided by police and other agencies'.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency (equivalent to an immigration authority, abbreviated as ISAA) has designated June as the 'Month for Promoting the Proper Employment of Foreign Nationals toward an Orderly Coexistence Society', urging employers to utilize tools such as the 'Residence Card Reading App' to ensure legal hiring practices.

According to ISAA data, during the entire year of Reiwa 7 (2025), approximately 18,400 foreign nationals who were illegally residing were either forcibly deported or issued departure orders, with a high proportion—about 72% (approximately 13,400 people)—confirmed as illegal workers.

An official from the ISAA's Security Division explained: 'While apprehending illegal foreign workers is important, to eradicate the root cause, we will strengthen enforcement against employers and impose strict penalties.'

Specifically, the ISAA has requested police and prosecutors to intensify investigations into employers suspected of 'aiding illegal employment'. In the future, joint enforcement operations will be enhanced, along with independent enforcement actions by the ISAA.

Although the offense applies regardless of the employer's nationality, if the employer is a foreigner, even if ultimately not prosecuted, the fact that they facilitated illegal employment still qualifies as grounds for 'forced deportation'. Therefore, the ISAA will actively proceed with administrative measures to deport foreign employers who have aided illegal employment.

Additionally, regarding certain 'illegal recycling plants' that violate laws by擅自 dumping waste, scrap vehicles, or scrap metal, the ISAA's Security Division noted: 'It is widely believed that these recycling plants not only harbor individuals released on temporary liberty but also serve as breeding grounds for illegal workers.'

The ISAA emphasized that in addition to strictly addressing those who facilitate illegal employment, it will collaborate with the Ministry of the Environment to implement corrective measures against such improper recycling facilities. (Translation: Li Jing / Review: Chen Zhengjian) 1150614

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