Alien Registrtation change

[banwell]

So the local council contacted me and told me that the alien registration cards are being abolished.

From July this year you will need to register your household for a new permit for right to stay/residency as a foreign national. I must say the letter that they've sent is pretty vague. Its basically states you have 3 mths from July to get this new permit but few details on what is required to get it. However it does helpfully state that if you've changed your details (and not informed them) that you may have difficulties...

We used a relocation company in January to get our alien reg, and will probably used them again for this paper work - but thought I'd give others the headsup as I've not seen it mentioned here yet. I believe that they are contacting people from May - but my office is super efficient it seems.

[ksnasi lurker]

So the local council contacted me and told me that the alien registration cards are being abolished.

From July this year you will need to register your household for a new permit for right to stay/residency as a foreign national. I must say the letter that they've sent is pretty vague. Its basically states you have 3 mths from July to get this new permit but few details on what is required to get it. However it does helpfully state that if you've changed your details (and not informed them) that you may have difficulties...

We used a relocation company in January to get our alien reg, and will probably used them again for this paper work - but thought I'd give others the headsup as I've not seen it mentioned here yet. I believe that they are contacting people from May - but my office is super efficient it seems.

We know about this, and there have been a number of previous posts.

See http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/index.html for the correct details (e.g. your statement about "3 months to get it" is wrong).

You don't need to use any company for the paperwork.

Anyway, the key point is that Immigration will be dealing with it all now, not City Hall. Re-entry permits as we now know them will be abolished. You don't need to do anything until your current ARC expires or you change details on it.

[hml]

You are residing as a spouse with "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" or "Spouse of Child of Permanent Resident" status, but you have failed to engage in activities as a spouse for six months or more without a justifiable reason.*

In other words, you haven't slept with your J-partner for 6 months...??

[banwell]

Anyway, the key point is that Immigration will be dealing with it all now, not City Hall. Re-entry permits as we now know them will be abolished. You don't need to do anything until your current ARC expires or you change details on it.

Well I thank you for your interpretation of this matter but that's not how I read the official letter sent to me. I have a relocation company provided so I will be using them. Also a search on the forum of "alien" throws nothing related to this matter up.

[themoonrules]

It isn't his interpretation of the law, that's what the law is according to the Immigration folks themselves.

Not sure what "council" sent you the letter, but it could be one hand not speaking to the other, but any-case, only Immigration Authorities are taking charge of this, no longer is it resting on local city offices to handle these matters.

The new system will allow you to keep your current ARC until it expires, at which time you will be replaced with a new Residence Card under the new system from Immigration (rather then your local city office).

All covered here:

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

Essentially your ARC is still valid until your current status of residence expires or for other cases, July 8, 2015, whichever comes first.

Nothing in the new law according to Immigration, says one has to change their ARC to the new system within three months from July. Essentially the current ARC will be equal to the new Residence Card until a specified amount of time, more details here:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact...#anchor-point4

[ksnasi lurker]

Well I thank you for your interpretation of this matter but that's not how I read the official letter sent to me. I have a relocation company provided so I will be using them. Also a search on the forum of "alien" throws nothing related to this matter up.

As 'asthemoonrules' said, your letter is wrong.

What do you think your relocation company will do (since no action is required until your ARC expires)?

Search wider than 'alien'. It's not a movie you're looking for, it's new immigration procedures...

I think most posters are happy to give advice when asked, but it's annoying when people get an answer then ignore it or still think they know better...

[banwell]

I've read through the PDF at the immigration website - thanks for the link.

It does indeed seem to support what is being posted here. However I will seek secondary professional advice/assistance.

As I type this I am currently in Vietnam. Two weeks ago I was in Hong Kong, and the month before that I was in Taipei. I have a multiple entry visa for my residency in Japan. The changes to the immigration system should make my life easier - I just cant risk getting them wrong.

The letter from the issuing office of my alien registration document quite clearly states you have 3mths from July to obtain a new permit. It would seem that this is incorrect.

[hennagaijin]

It is a joke that the site says "the alien registration system will be abolished".

The "residency management system" is the same thing but just has a more politically correct name (although managed differently).

[possum]

It is a joke that the site says "the alien registration system will be abolished".

The "residency management system" is the same thing but just has a more politically correct name (although managed differently).

Reading it carefully it seems that the residency management system is the already existing system for Japanese.

If that is the case, then finally Japan is putting foreigners in the same system (although it looks like we still have to have a card whereas Japanesw don't).

If this will put me on the juminhyo with my husband and children, then I support it.

[rtfm]

It is a joke that the site says "the alien registration system will be abolished".

The current alien registration system will be abolished

Such a difference one word makes.

Banwell: Do you currently have a valid ARC? If yes, you have 3 years from July 9, or until it expires (whichever comes first) to get a new system card. It is possible that they will make one while you wait at Narita / Haneda / Chubu / Kansai airport.

[themoonrules]

1. What city office mailed you the letter?

2. Post a copy so we can have a look.
If it is in English or any language other than Japanese, it could be a translation issue that the city office did.
The ARCs should be fully out of circulation by everyone holding one 3 YEARS (not 3 months) from July (final date is July 8, 2015). Odds are many will change to the new card before then.

[trip_hop]

Re-entry permits as we now know them will be abolished.

For periods abroad of less than one year, with a valid status of residence, you don't need them.
Leave for any longer and you do.






Just waiting for the anti-life brigade to come chiming in, "Why do you need residency,if you are leaving for more than one year?"
None of their business!

[hml]

The "residency management system" is the same thing but just has a more politically correct name (although managed differently).

Yah.

Will be interesting when the typically uninformed keystone asks for my "alien registration card" and I tell him that I not have one.

Have they made it mandatory that we show them to cops? (like the "alien reg. card")

[hennagaijin]

Yah.

Will be interesting when the typically uninformed keystone asks for my "alien registration card" and I tell him that I not have one.

Have they made it mandatory that we show them to cops? (like the "alien reg. card")

Undoubtedly.

[possum]

I received a letter from the city office today.

There seems to be a couple of points.

While the card will be issued by immigration, the city office is in charge of residence registration.

According to my letter:
"Foreign residents shall be entered into the residence registry based on the Basic Registration Act
Accordingly, based on that same Act, we have created a temporary residence record for your household. This provisional residence record will become your residence record on July 9"

Basically it is a paper copy of what is on my gaijin card.

I have to check that is all correct. If it's all correct, then I don't have to do anything. If any information is incorrect then I take the paper,my gaijin card, my passport and go down to the city office to "complete procedures"

If you are single or the whole household are foreigners then it looks lije you don't have to do anything.

However, there are a number of places where "household" and "everyone in the family" is mentioned.
"Please confirm everyone in the household is enrolled correctly"
Also they write"if there are Japanese citizens in your household who need to change the information about "the head of the household" and "the relationship with the head of the household.." and then they give the procedures for that.

So - it seems that for those of us married to Japanese we may be finally be able to be on the Juminhyo together - if we take the steps to change the record.

It isn't really clear.
I'm going to call my city hall tomorrow and probably go in sometime this week to figure it out. If I can register all of us together I will, as soon as I can.


It seems that my city is one of the early ones, so I'll update here to let you know how it all works.




The card is a whole different thing and there is no special urgency to get one of those. We have until July 8 2015, or until we need to renew our gaijin cards - or (for those who are not permenant residents) until your visa runs out.

[possum]

Correct information and an update!!
There is nothing that needs do be done regarding the juminhyo.

Foreign spouses will AUTOMATICALLY be put on the Juminhyo with their Japanese spouse and children.

When you receive your letter and provisional residence record 仮住民票(かりじゅうみんひょう) you need to check that they have all your details correct. If they are correct you just do nothing and on July 9th, when the law takes affect, you automatically go on the Juminhyo (with your family) in the Japanese system.

If there are any mistakes then you need to go to the city office and get them corrected.
They have cut one number off from the old gaijin card number - so no need to worry about that.

The only amendment that may need to happen is for the Japanese wife to fill in a form listing her foreign husband as the head of the household.
My husband being Japanese will automatically continue to be listed as the head of the household.

[evilone]

They have cut one number off from the old gaijin card number - so no need to worry about that.

The last digit of the gaijin card number was just an index on how many times the card has been reissued in any case (0 for your first one).

[PurpleDaisies]

The last digit of the gaijin card number was just an index on how many times the card has been reissued in any case (0 for your first one).

Really?!
So that's why they got so upset the 10th time I lost my gaijin card.
They'd run out of numbers
They told me never to lose it again... But of course I did :embarrassed:

Hmmm...... So I guess that 4 on the end of mine really means 14

[ksnasi lurker]

Correct information and an update!!
There is nothing that needs do be done regarding the juminhyo.

Foreign spouses will AUTOMATICALLY be put on the Juminhyo with their Japanese spouse and children.

When you receive your letter and provisional residence record 仮住民票(かりじゅうみんひょう) you need to check that they have all your details correct. If they are correct you just do nothing and on July 9th, when the law takes affect, you automatically go on the Juminhyo (with your family) in the Japanese system.

If there are any mistakes then you need to go to the city office and get them corrected.
They have cut one number off from the old gaijin card number - so no need to worry about that.

The only amendment that may need to happen is for the Japanese wife to fill in a form listing her foreign husband as the head of the household.
My husband being Japanese will automatically continue to be listed as the head of the household.

Appreciate the corrected update. (Everyone's getting very excited about nothing here).

[Hijinx]

Two points occurred to me today regarding the new system:

1) It was stated that those of us with PRs have until July 8, 2015 or by the expiration date on the old ARC, whichever comes first, to change over to the new card. First, I can't find the part about the expiration on the ARC anywhere on an official site. Second, if the old system is abolished, as stated on official sites, then why would the expiration date matter on the old ARC?

2) What exactly are the penalties for not carrying the new card? And it seems to me that since you have 14 days to get a new card in case you lose it, it's defaced, stolen, etc., the best course of action in the event of a cop catching you without the new card would be to say you lost it yesterday and you're going to get a new one soon. Better that than face potential fines. And you're card can miraculously appear the next day.

[themoonrules]

Two points occurred to me today regarding the new system:

1) It was stated that those of us with PRs have until July 8, 2015 or by the expiration date on the old ARC, whichever comes first, to change over to the new card. First, I can't find the part about the expiration on the ARC anywhere on an official site. Second, if the old system is abolished, as stated on official sites, then why would the expiration date matter on the old ARC?

http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact...#anchor-point4

Rather, the expiration date of your stay listed in your current ARC. The old ARC system will be abolished, however the old ARC card itself for those who have them will act as defacto new residence cards until you get them replaced.

[Hijinx]

http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact...#anchor-point4

Rather, the expiration date of your stay listed in your current ARC. The old ARC system will be abolished, however the old ARC card itself for those who have them will act as defacto new residence cards until you get them replaced.

I read that, but I don't see where it says that you have until the expiration date on your ARC. As a PR holder, I have until July 8, 2015. This date will not come before the next confirmation date on my ARC.

[themoonrules]

It doesn't, I did a misinterpretation. It just says expiration of period of stay rather then expiration of ARC.

The easiest thing might to be just to trade in the old ARC for a new Residence card when one gets a chance, even if you can hold onto the old one until 2015.

[possum]

Appreciate the corrected update. (Everyone's getting very excited about nothing here).

Well I am getting very excited but I don't think it's for nothing.

We will now be on the juminhyo with our families. This is huge.

They are finally acknowledging that we should be included with our families and not in a seperate segregated system.

Wow, I guess they are even acknowledging that we are real people with real families


Yes, the card itself is basically the ARC under a different name ( they are not prepared to go as far as to abolish that), but all in all it is huge advance in the thinking of the Japanese government.

[possum]

It doesn't, I did a misinterpretation. It just says expiration of period of stay rather then expiration of ARC.

The easiest thing might to be just to trade in the old ARC for a new Residence card when one gets a chance, even if you can hold onto the old one until 2015.

No you were right.

I got my provisional juminhyo and letter from the city office already and it clearly stated that you had until 1) July 8th 2015 to get the card - or 2) until the expiration of your term of stay or 3) the expiration of your current ARC - whichever came sooner.

I have PR so have no period of stay, but my gaijin card is due to be renewed in June 2015. As that comes (slightly) before the cut off date I will have to get this new card by June 2015 rather than July 2015.

You can apply for the card at any time from now on. I'm not going to bother doing it for a while though.

[possum]

I'm sure the penalties for not carrying the new card will be the same as the for the ARC.

The card itself is the same thing in all but name.

It's their way to change the system and allow us on the juminhyo and get rid of the reentry permit system while still keeping the ARC.

[Hijinx]

I'm sure the penalties for not carrying the new card will be the same as the for the ARC.

The card itself is the same thing in all but name.

It's their way to change the system and allow us on the juminhyo and get rid of the reentry permit system while still keeping the ARC.

I seem to remember a number being mentioned of a possible (probably unlikely) 300,000 yen for not carrying the card. That seems to be much stricter than the soon-to-be old system. But I don't even know that the penalties are now.

[Deathblob]

That letter you get in the mail, where you're supposed to tell them about any mistakes ... does it matter if they truncated the last few characters off your kid's name?

I'm sure it's going to eat up hours of my time if I call them about it.

[possum]

I seem to remember a number being mentioned of a possible (probably unlikely) 300,000 yen for not carrying the card. That seems to be much stricter than the soon-to-be old system. But I don't even know that the penalties are now.

Well I have never even been asked for my gaijin card - so have no idea about the penalties.

However, I did forget it once going through immigration at the airport with my family (I had my passport of course) but was allowed through both ways with only a minor scolding.

[Hijinx]

Well I have never even been asked for my gaijin card - so have no idea about the penalties.

However, I did forget it once going through immigration at the airport with my family (I had my passport of course) but was allowed through both ways with only a minor scolding.

I just read that that up to 300,000 yen (and up to three years in jail) number is the current system. I wonder if they'll carry it over.

[possum]

That letter you get in the mail, where you're supposed to tell them about any mistakes ... does it matter if they truncated the last few characters off your kid's name?

I'm sure it's going to eat up hours of my time if I call them about it.

Calling was really easy. There was a call center set up - and I got an English speaker really easily and they were very clear about what was a problem or not.

Your kids are already on your form with you? Are they also non Japanese?

I was still in solitary splendour on mine - which is why I called, and was assured that my (Japanese)kids and husband would be on the form with me after July 9th.

[outkast]

I'm finally going to be head of household with my wife on the same sheet (before we were BOTH heads of household for the same apartment, with each household showing only 1 resident total...).

I really like the whole shared juminhyo thing. Should have started a few decades ago, but better late than never.

Wish we'd get some solid advice for people renewing visas (and consequently re-entry permits) just before the big change. Be nice not to pay 6000 yen for a permit that won't even be necessary from a month afterward...

[Glenski]

Outkast,
Renew before the deadline and leave the country before the deadline and you will probably need the reentry permit. It is as simple as that. Afterward, if you leave for less than a year you do not need the permit.

Hijinx,
Why bother asking about penalties for not carrying a card you are supposed to carry? Just carry it! Is it that much a problem? I assume you carry your ARC now, don't you? If not, why?

[Hijinx]

Outkast,
Renew before the deadline and leave the country before the deadline and you will probably need the reentry permit. It is as simple as that. Afterward, if you leave for less than a year you do not need the permit.

Hijinx,
Why bother asking about penalties for not carrying a card you are supposed to carry? Just carry it! Is it that much a problem? I assume you carry your ARC now, don't you? If not, why?

Easy there, Glen, forgot to take the meds today? I do carry my ARC; I was just wondering. You know, there just might, might be a chance when one forgets the card.

[Super Grover]

My wife and I will go over the papers I received last week. I doubt there is very much (if anytihng) to change. But there is something I want to ask others.

How were the documents that you received? Properly constructed, or like mine (read on)?

I received the documents and had to sign. On the envelope in English was stamped "IMPORTANT." When I opened the envelope, the forms were made using the cheapest brown paper available, which sort of clashed with the idea of them being important papers (Still,fine by me to use my taxes well). What really angered me, however, was the terrible font and wordsthatrantogetherlikethis due to poor formatting. "It is important and we'll put it in English, but we will deliberately send out hundreds of thousands of these in this poor way to show you all what you are to us." If you think I am overreacting, you can see that the Japanese is nicely laid out. Absolutely anyone with a TOEIC score over 500 would not send out this, and we all know that the contents and wording were carefully considered and checked by higher-ups, so there is absolutely NO WAY whatsoever that the shoddy formatting could have been accidental or went unnoticed. Imagine if they had done the same thing to millions of Japanese. You can bet it would someone would be in deep doo-doo over it.

I am writing a formal complaint. I hope you all will, too.

[wernst]

My wife and I will go over the papers I received last week. I doubt there is very much (if anytihng) to change. But there is something I want to ask others.

How were the documents that you received? Properly constructed, or like mine (read on)?

I received the documents and had to sign. On the envelope in English was stamped "IMPORTANT." When I opened the envelope, the forms were made using the cheapest brown paper available, which sort of clashed with the idea of them being important papers (Still,fine by me to use my taxes well). What really angered me, however, was the terrible font and wordsthatrantogetherlikethis due to poor formatting. "It is important and we'll put it in English, but we will deliberately send out hundreds of thousands of these in this poor way to show you all what you are to us." If you think I am overreacting, you can see that the Japanese is nicely laid out. Absolutely anyone with a TOEIC score over 500 would not send out this, and we all know that the contents and wording were carefully considered and checked by higher-ups, so there is absolutely NO WAY whatsoever that the shoddy formatting could have been accidental or went unnoticed. Imagine if they had done the same thing to millions of Japanese. You can bet it would someone would be in deep doo-doo over it.

I am writing a formal complaint. I hope you all will, too.

Gah the fuss people make about small things. Who cares if they printed it on toiletpaper (would be amazing if they could to be honest).

[Super Grover]

But I do not consider it to be a small thing at all. The foreign community has been made aware of changes that may directly affect them. They need to take care to do things right. Some of them (they are on this board) pay substantial taxes and as such they deserve to be informed appropriately, not insuchawaythatmakes it a bit unpleasant to read and is a very obvious mistake. It is just plain rude/insulting, given that this is a society that places such extreme importance on correct form.

[hml]

Wish we'd get some solid advice for people renewing visas (and consequently re-entry permits) just before the big change. Be nice not to pay 6000 yen for a permit that won't even be necessary from a month afterward...

Here's some solid advice: don't go overseas until the changes take place.

Easy there, Glen, forgot to take the meds today? I do carry my ARC; I was just wondering. You know, there just might, might be a chance when one forgets the card.

Just tell the police that you naturalized and therefore don't *need* to show them anything as you are a citizen. Then run.

I got "carded" by the cops once when I didn't have my card with me. There was a fire in the neighborhood so like everyone else, I ran out to see the blaze in all its glory. Two plainclothes officers approached me and asked to see my card. I explained that there was an emergency (fire in neighborhood) so I ran out without grabbing my wallet. They scolded me. I responded by asking if they were *really* police officers and that I could not tell because they were plainclothes. Then they said, "Well there was a fire so we had to come here suddenly and were not able to bring our badges." !!! My obvious response: "Well then why are you giving me a hard time about not having my card!?!?!?"

Believe it or not, they were still being pig-headed about the whole thing and even grabbed my arm to prevent me from "escaping" which really pissed me off. Things would have gotten ugly until a neighbor came by and called out to me. At this point the cops asked if that person knew me and suddenly I was okay as I had been vouched for by someone they had not bothered to card....

I am writing a formal complaint. I hope you all will, too.

I feel your pain. I know the feeling. Yet I also know how far that complaint will go.

[evilone]

Here's some solid advice: don't go overseas until the changes take place.

Not really practical advice. As in other things, if you gotta go, you gotta go.

I have ended up having to pay 6000 for 2 singles in the April-June timeframe. Once because there was a 2 week window between my multiple expiring and my period of stay date, and now another in the <2 months before the new system.

[hml]

Not really practical advice. As in other things, if you gotta go, you gotta go.

Yes, I understand, but what does he want - the secret method of getting a short-term re-intry permit that will allow him to avoid paying for it? I'm not sure what he wants - except that he *doesn't want* to have to pay the fee. So my advice is pretty solid as far as not having to pay the fee is concerned. The guy has to realize that a line must be drawn somewhere and someone is going to (feel like they) get the short end of the stick.