The bill, which will be submitted to the Diet session, is aimed at blocking terrorists from entering Japan under false identities.

It is based on an anti-terrorism action plan approved in December 2004 that includes fingerprinting and photographing all foreign visitors upon entry.

The bill, which would revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, stipulates that foreigners entering Japan must present personal identification data in electromagnetic format, including fingerprints, photographs and other items as defined by ordinances issued by the Justice Ministry.

The measure excludes ethnic Koreans and other permanent residents with special status, people under 16, people visiting Japan for diplomatic or official purposes, and those invited by the government.

The Japan Times Weekly: March 11, 2006
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