Radio France Internationale (RFI)'s Chinese edition, a French international broadcaster, reported on the 28th that despite the number of undocumented foreign residents in Japan decreasing year by year, the country still plans to strengthen its crackdown.

The article explained that the Japanese government decided at a Cabinet meeting on the 28th to revise a government ordinance to strengthen crackdowns on undocumented foreign residents and prevent the acquisition of residence status through illegal means, increasing the number of Immigration Services Agency staff by 226, from 6,677 to 6,903. The increase will consist of 50 immigration control officers who engage in arrests and other duties, and 176 immigration inspectors responsible for examinations and other tasks.

Furthermore, Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi stated at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, "We will make every effort to maximize the utilization of personnel and achieve more appropriate immigration and residence management." He also said, "We encourage those who have an interest and passion for foreign affairs administration to knock on our door," and expressed expectations that former Self-Defense Forces personnel and former police officers "could become immediate assets."

It was further pointed out that what is noteworthy is that despite the number of undocumented foreign residents in Japan already showing a decreasing trend for two consecutive years, the Japanese government, by referencing immigration policies of the U.S. Trump administration, is further strictifying its foreign-related policies, such as the certification of permanent residency permits, the approval of investor/business manager visas, and the crackdown on undocumented residents.

The article explained that according to data published by the Immigration Services Agency on its official website, as of January 1, 2026, the number of undocumented foreign residents in Japan was 68,488, a decrease of 6,375 from the previous year, with a reduction rate of 8.5%. By country/region, the top position was Vietnam with 11,601 people (a decrease of 2,695 from the previous year), followed by Thailand in second place with 10,907 people (a decrease of 430), South Korea in third with 10,020 people (a decrease of 580), and China in fourth with 5,827 people (a decrease of 738).

Furthermore, the countries from 5th place downwards are: the Philippines (4,393 people, a decrease of 291), Indonesia (4,248 people, a decrease of 383), Taiwan (2,601 people, a decrease of 382), Sri Lanka (2,091 people, an increase of 48), Turkey (1,228 people, a decrease of 144), and Cambodia (1,044 people, a decrease of 336). (Translation/Editing by Kitada)