Rise in illegal work prompts Japan Embassy to issue visa fraud warning
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Hsu/Pearl (NP News) - Oct 26
The number of people traveling to Japan for work on various visas is increasing, according to an overseas employment agency owner who spoke to The Statesman Journal.
The Japanese Embassy in Myanmar recently issued a statement warning that individuals who apply for short-term stay visas but engage in income-generating activities or employment in Japan could face criminal charges.
The Embassy clarified that short-term stay visas are strictly for non-employment purposes, including sightseeing, recreation, visiting relatives, study, training, conferences, or conducting business negotiations.
“Nowadays, people are going to Japan in many different ways — some with student visas, some with tourist visas, and some with other types of visas. The number of people who go with these visas and then stay behind to work is increasing,” the business owner said.
Since income-generating work is strictly prohibited under short-term stay visas, violating these terms constitutes a criminal offense under Japanese law.
The agency owner added: “For example, there are people from various countries who overstay their visas and continue working without returning home. Some enter under sponsorship and then take up employment, while others work full-time instead of part-time. There are even students who are working full-time. Such activities have always been clearly prohibited, and that’s why the Japanese authorities are now issuing reminders.”
The Embassy has warned that individuals who submit fraudulent visa applications, as well as any companies or organizations assisting them, will face serious consequences. Any past misconduct will remain on file and could have a negative impact on future visa applications, regardless of the visa type. –