Illegal immigrants surrender ahead of change in Japanese law
TOKYO: Illegal immigrants are turning themselves in ahead of a change in
Japanese law tightening penalties on unlawful residence, officials said.
In January, the government received 8,500 visits by illegal immigrants,
mostly from South Korea, China and the Philippines, asking to be sent home,
immigration officials said.
That is about four times the level in January 1999, immigration official
Tadanori Uezono said.
They are probably trying to avoid prosecution under a law that goes into
effect on Feb. 18, removing a three-year statute of limitations on
prosecution of people who entered the country illegally, officials said.
Immigration is less of a political issue in culturally homogeneous Japan
than in many other places, such as the United States and Europe.
Foreigners, especially those from non-Western countries, often face
discrimination in Japan.
The government accuses Chinese and South Korean criminal organizations of
establishing drug-smuggling networks in Japan through immigrant communities.
(AP)
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