Japanese authorities have apprehended a 72-year-old South Korean national, identified as Jong-gi, for allegedly residing in Japan illegally for over three decades. The arrest took place in Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, on August 26, 2026, following an anonymous tip received in June.
Details of the Long Overstay
According to Shizuoka Prefectural Police, the man originally entered Japan in September 1993 using his younger brother's passport. He was granted a 15-day short-term tourist visa, reportedly with the intention of seeking better-paying employment. After his visa expired, he never returned to South Korea, instead living under a Japanese alias and working various casual day jobs to support himself while evading detection.
Legal Framework and Charges
While the man's overstay began in 1993, Japanese law did not criminalize visa overstaying until the revised Immigration Control Act came into effect in February 2000. Consequently, police arrested him on suspicion of illegal residence from February 2000 onwards, covering more than 26 years under the current legal framework. The suspect has admitted to the charges.
Broader Context of Illegal Residence in Japan
The Justice Ministry of Japan reported 68,488 visa overstayers as of January 2026. This figure represents a significant decrease from a peak of 298,646 recorded in 1993, the same year the arrested man entered the country. Authorities emphasize that tip-offs from the public remain a crucial tool in identifying long-term illegal residents who have integrated quietly into local communities.
Following the completion of legal processes, the 72-year-old is expected to face deportation proceedings. In Japan, immigration authorities handle deportation after any criminal or legal proceedings are concluded. Foreign nationals may undergo an immigration examination and have the right to appeal a deportation decision before being removed from the country.