Hello! This is Fu from Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation. Our Topics page provides the latest visa information that foreigners should know.
This time, we will introduce in detail the specific details of the revised law that will integrate the My Number Card and the Residence Card, its impact, and future measures.
Key points of the legal reform
Currently, foreigners staying in Japan for a long period of time are required to carry their residence card with them at all times. Furthermore, if you register as a resident, you can also be issued with a My Number card, but procedures related to residence cards must be completed at the regional immigration bureau, while procedures related to My Number cards must be completed at the city or town office. This resulted in cumbersome procedures and the need for multiple visits to each institution, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Passed and enacted on June 14, 2024.Bill to amend the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Act on Proper Implementation of Technical Intern Training for Foreign Nationals and Protection of Technical Intern Trainees" includes the following points to make the process for foreigners smoother:
1. Integration of My Number Card and Residence Card (optional)
Foreign nationals who request it will be issued a "Specified Residence Card" which combines their My Number card and residence card. This centralizes card management and reduces the risk of losing or forgetting to carry your card. This integration is not mandatory, and you can continue to use separate cards as usual.
② Application and issuance procedures for a specific residence card
It will be possible to apply for and receive a specific residence card in one stop, at the same time as completing the residence procedures at the regional immigration bureau and submitting a notification of address at the city or town office. For example, you will be able to apply for a new integrated card at the same time as renewing your period of stay, which will dramatically improve the efficiency of the process.
③ Improvement of ticket face and validity period
Of the information that is to be recorded on the residence card, those items that require immediate visual verification will be printed on the face of the card, and the other information will be recorded on the IC chip. In addition, the validity period of residence cards for permanent residents will also be changed to be the same as that of My Number cards, and by unifying the expiration dates of the cards, management of renewal procedures will be simplified.
④ Handling of electromagnetic records
Provisions will be put in place to allow information related to residence cards to be handled as electromagnetic records, making information management more efficient. This will promote the use of digital information and speed up administrative procedures.
⑤ Preparation of penal provisions
With the revision of the Immigration Control Act, penalties will be established for the fraudulent use of residence cards and false applications. Specifically, fines and imprisonment will be established for fraudulent acts, and security will be strengthened.
Specific changes and their impacts
1. Review of information on residence cards
The period of stay, type of permission, date of issue, etc. will be deleted from the information to be recorded, and other information specified by Ministry of Justice ordinance will be added. This simplifies the information on the card and makes it easier to manage.
② Change in validity period
The validity period of permanent resident residence cards will be changed to the same extent as My Number cards. The validity period of the My Number Card is the same as for Japanese people, and will last until your 10th birthday from the date of issue. This will save you the trouble of having to update your cards frequently.
③ Issuance of a specific residence card
Mid- to long-term residents who are recorded in the Resident Basic Register can apply for a specific residence card via their city, town or village office. This will eliminate the need to go back and forth between the local immigration bureau and the city/town/village office, and will centralize the procedures.
Summary
Before the revised bill comes into effect, it is important for all foreign residents to check the expiration dates of their current residence cards and My Number cards, and to complete the necessary renewal procedures and confirm the necessary information. Also, be sure to find out early on how to apply for a new residence card and what documents are required.
Our legal specialist firm is well versed in these new systems and will support you to ensure that the procedures go smoothly. The first consultation is free.
