Japanese Panel Wants to Expand Online Immigration Applications

Tokyo, Dec. 10 (Jiji Press)--A Japanese government panel of experts Thursday called for making more procedures related to immigration status available online, as part of efforts to accept more foreign workers. Currently, the Immigration Services Agency accepts applications, such as for extending period of stay and changing visa status, online. But such applications can only be made through companies and other institutions where applicants belong. In a report submitted to Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa, the panel sought to allow foreigners to submit such applications online by themselves. The report also suggested making more immigration-related procedures available online, such as those for seeking permission for permanent residency and renewal of residence cards. The government needs to enable as many immigration-related procedures as possible to be completed fully online, the report said. END