The article, 1,184 cases of residence status revocation in 2024 (Sankei Shimbun, March 27, 2025) is summarized below.
In 2024, the number of cases in which the residence status of foreign nationals was revoked was 1,184, down 56 from the previous year. The most common reasons for revocation were cases where technical intern trainees disappeared or international students remained in Japan illegally after being expelled from school, accounting for 64% of the total, or 761 cases. In addition, there were 303 cases where international students worked part-time after being expelled or technical intern trainees worked for other companies, and 72 cases where people entered into false marriages with Japanese nationals in order to obtain residence status as “spouse or child of a Japanese national.”
By country, Vietnam had the most with 784 cases, followed by China with 109, Nepal with 60, Indonesia with 49, Cambodia and Sri Lanka with 33 each, and Uzbekistan with 32. By status of residence, “Technical Intern Training” was the most common with 710, followed by “Student” with 312 and “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Technical Intern Country)” with 69.
Reasons for cancellation of residence status
Management of residence status in Japan is based on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (hereinafter referred to as the “Immigration Control Act”), and foreign nationals must hold an appropriate residence status when staying in Japan. This ensures that foreign nationals who hold a residence status have the legitimacy of staying in Japan. However, if certain circumstances apply, a residence status may be revoked. Revocation of residence status is carried out by the immigration authorities and is positioned as a necessary measure to ensure the lawfulness of a foreign national’s stay.
Here we will explain in detail the reasons for cancellation of residence status.
1.Legal basis for the cancellation of residence status
Provisions regarding the cancellation of residence status are set out in Articles 50 and 51 of the Immigration Control Act. Specifically, if a foreigner is unable to maintain his or her residence status, the Minister of Justice may cancel that status. Possible reasons for cancellation include the following:
2.Illegal Stay
One of the most common reasons for the cancellation of a residence status is “illegal stay.” In order for a foreigner to stay in Japan, they must obtain the appropriate residence status and stay in Japan in accordance with the conditions. However, if they continue to stay after their residence status has expired, or if they obtained their residence status illegally, this falls under the category of illegal stay. For example, staying in Japan after the expiration date of your residence status is considered illegal stay, which may result in the cancellation of your residence status.
3.Submission of forged or fraudulent documents
If a foreigner submits forged documents to obtain a residence status, that residence status will also be subject to revocation. If it is confirmed that a foreigner has obtained a residence status using forged documents or false information, that foreigner will be considered to have committed fraud. Such actions will undermine the legitimacy of the foreigner’s stay in Japan and will be grounds for the revocation of the residence status.
4.False marriages and fraudulent methods of entry
Entry into Japan through fraudulent marriages or other illegal means can also lead to the revocation of a residence status. For example, if a foreigner obtains a residence status through marriage, but the marriage is actually a fraud, or if the conditions for marriage are not met, the marriage-based residence status may be revoked. Such fraudulent acts are considered to be grounds for revocation, as the purpose of obtaining a residence status is considered inappropriate.
5.When the conditions of status of residence are not complied
Each status of residence has its own conditions. For example, if a foreigner staying in Japan on a work visa changes the nature of their work or works in a type of job other than that specified, their status of residence may be revoked. In addition, while the status of residence for international students is premised on continuing their studies, taking a leave of absence without permission or failing to meet the graduation requirements may also result in the status of residence being revoked. In other words, if you neglect the obligations that come with your status of residence, that is grounds for the revocation of your status of residence.
6.Violation of immigration laws
If you violate the Immigration Control Act, your residence status may be revoked. For example, if a foreigner enters Japan in an unauthorized manner or engages in illegal activities during their stay, that act itself may be grounds for revocation. In particular, if you are involved in a criminal offense, your residence status may be revoked depending on the nature and severity of the crime.
7.Health and safety reasons
In some cases, a foreigner’s status of residence may also be revoked if there are health or safety concerns about the foreigner. For example, if there is a risk of spreading a contagious or infectious disease, the Immigration Bureau may revoke the foreigner’s status of residence. A foreigner’s status of residence may also be revoked if their stay in Japan poses a threat to public safety (for example, if they are found to have ties to organized crime).
8.Acts that disrupt public order
If a foreigner commits an act that disrupts public order during their stay in Japan, their residence status may be revoked depending on the nature of the act. For example, if violence, damage to property, or other actions that disrupt public order are confirmed, these are grounds for revocation.
9.If you receive a fine or criminal penalty
If a foreigner commits a criminal offense in Japan and receives a penalty, this fact may lead to the revocation of the foreigner’s residence status. In particular, if the criminal penalty is severe or there is a high possibility of reoffending, the Minister of Justice may revoke the foreigner’s residence status. In addition, if the foreigner is sentenced to a fine or detention, the residence status may be revoked depending on the severity of the punishment.
10.When you don’t need a residence status
For example, if a foreigner has already completed their activities in Japan, returned to their home country, or there is no longer any reason to maintain their status of residence, their status of residence may be revoked. In this case, the status of residence may be revoked if the foreigner expresses an intention to return to their home country or if they no longer have a place of employment.
Summary
There are many reasons for the cancellation of a residence status, but basically it applies when the foreigner is not staying in Japan in a legally appropriate manner. This includes illegal stays, forged documents, entering the country through fraudulent means, and violating the conditions of the residence status, and the common factor in all cases is the legality of the foreigner’s stay and the impact it has on Japanese society.
Cancellation of residence status determines that a foreigner’s stay in Japan is inappropriate, and is an important measure to prevent illegal residence and acts that may harm society.