Gov`t to revamp immigration control system

TOKYO, Feb. 18 Kyodo -
The Japanese government has come up with a draft plan to revise the current
immigration registration system in order to prevent illegal stays and protect
foreign vocational trainees living in Japan, officials said Wednesday.
The revamped system will enable the national government to take full control of
procedures in a shift from the current dual administrative structure, in which
the national government handles immigration and issuance of permission for
residency while municipalities are in charge of registration.
The complicated nature of the current system has often been criticized for
being exploited for illegal stays.
If relevant bills pass the legislature, the central government will take over
from municipalities the work of issuing registration cards bearing an
individual's name, picture, nationality and duration of stay.
The government will aim to submit bills to make such changes early next month.
Under the planned new system, the government also aims to extend the maximum
period of stay for non-Japanese residents to five years, in principle, from the
current three years. It would also allow them to leave Japan without reentry
permits for a one-year leave or shorter.
Another pillar of the revision is to improve the working status of foreign
vocational trainees by guaranteeing them legal protection after they engage in
on-the-job training programs for two months or longer.
Severe penalties are being considered for businesses mistreating foreign
trainees, including nonpayment of wages and taking away their passports.
==Kyodo