On April 8th, Kyodo News published an article titled National Police Agency requests suspension of withdrawals from foreigners’ savings accounts upon expiration of visa period, which we have summarized below.
It has been discovered that some financial institutions have begun to suspend withdrawals from the savings accounts of foreigners whose visa status has expired. Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and Mizuho Bank have implemented this measure, in response to a request from the National Police Agency to all financial institutions to implement it following cases of fraudulently transferred accounts being misused for fraud.
Foreigners are required to notify financial institutions about their extension of stay due to a change in their residence status, but as this procedure has not been fully implemented among foreigners, confusion is expected. The government decided on “Comprehensive measures to protect citizens from fraud” in June last year and is working to strengthen account management.
It seems that you will not be able to withdraw money once your period of stay that you notified the financial institution has expired.
What I am particularly concerned about is the special period (the period when you apply for an extension of your period of stay or a change of status of residence before the expiration date on your residence card, and you are waiting for permission after the expiration date on your residence card has passed).
Even during the special period, you will still be legally residing in Japan, but please pay attention to the expiration date of your residence that you have notified financial institutions. If your residence date is approaching and you are unsure of the expiration date of your residence that you have notified financial institutions, please be sure to check it.