After just going through a triple round of having to renew my passport, visa, and gaikokujin card (actually ended up getting the card renewed a little early, there just wasn't room on the back for them to make any more changes to accommodate the new passport number) I was given some information on upcoming changes to the alien registration system. Basically, the "gaijin card" is being replaced with a residence card, and it appears they may be getting rid of the re-entry permit requirements. Period of stay, previously 1 or 3 years, will also now have a 5 year category.

More details at http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/index.html

I'd applied for a 3 year visa, but once again only got renewed for one. Most likely due to changing jobs back in April.

It's my understanding that they'll still have re-entry permits, but you'll only need one if you leave the country for more than a year.

I think I saw this information before -- I'm surprised they're getting rid of the gaijin tax (i.e. re-entry permit) in the time of budget troubles; I can't believe it actually influences whether people come to Japan or not .

It does influence whether people come to Japan, it's one of the many reasons why finance people prefer to be posted to HK or Singapore. Foreign researchers hate it because it makes going to conferences a big hassle...

I don't think it actually costs money to get rid of the gaijin tax. The stamp probably costs less than the personnel handling it. It also means saving a bit of money at overseas missions because

(I'm guessing of course. I've never had the impression that efficiency is a major consideration in Japan, least of all in the bureaucracy.)

Quote:Please take note of the following!

In line with the introduction of the new system of residence management, the following grounds for revocation of the status of residence, grounds for deportation and penalties have been established.

Revocation of the status of residence

You are residing as a spouse with the status of residence of “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” or “Spouse of Child of Permanent Resident” but you have failed to engage in activities as a spouse for six months or more without a justifiable reason for not doing so.

Uh-oh. What if the Japanese spouse has failed to engage in activities as a spouse for six months or more? It's been known to happen. Do you still get deported?

yudantaiteki Wrote:I think I saw this information before -- I'm surprised they're getting rid of the gaijin tax (i.e. re-entry permit) in the time of budget troubles; I can't believe it actually influences whether people come to Japan or not .

My guess is that they're just changing the form of the gaijin tax from re-entry permits (which not everyone needs) to these cards (which everyone will have to obtain).

That way they can shake down everyone for money.

JimmySeal Wrote:

yudantaiteki Wrote:I think I saw this information before -- I'm surprised they're getting rid of the gaijin tax (i.e. re-entry permit) in the time of budget troubles; I can't believe it actually influences whether people come to Japan or not .

My guess is that they're just changing the form of the gaijin tax from re-entry permits (which not everyone needs) to these cards (which everyone will have to obtain).

That way they can shake down everyone for money.

But they're also phasing out the Alien registration card, which everyone had to obtain. Eessentially replacing it with this new one.

That doesn't mean that they won't charge more money for the new card than they do now. Plus, everyone who's in the country now will have to get a new card, and if they charge everyone for that, there's a buttload of money there too.