With the revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, an estimated 6 million to 7 million foreigners entering Japan every year will have to have their fingerprints and photographs taken, along with other personal identification information.

The collected data will be electronically registered and cross-checked with a list of past deportees and internationally wanted criminals.

The measure exempts people under age 16, ethnic Koreans and other special permanent residents, those invited by the government and people entering Japan for diplomatic or official purposes.

Other than those exceptions, all foreigners living here, regardless of having a permanent, work or spouse visa, will be obliged to be fingerprinted and photographed when re-entering the country.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 27, 2006
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