According to data released by the Immigration Services Agency, there were 1,184 residency status revocations nationwide in 2024 (Reiwa 6).

While this is a slight decrease from the 1,240 cases in the previous year, it remains a high level, signaling the need for stronger compliance and management systems within companies.

Most Revoked Statuses: “Technical Intern Training” and “Student”

The breakdown by residency status reveals the following trends:
Residency Status Cases Proportion
Technical Intern Training 710 ~60%
Student 312 ~26%
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services 69 ~6%
As seen above, technical intern trainees account for more than half of the total revocations — a crucial point for employers to keep in mind.

Top Reasons for Residency Status Revocation
Residency status may be revoked under Article 22-4 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Act). The top three reasons for revocation in 2024 were:
1. Reason No. 6: False Application (Most Common)
Examples:
• The applicant declared intent to work under a work visa but had no actual intent to do so.
• A person entered Japan under a “Student” visa but had no intention of attending school.
→ Submitting false documents or using another person’s identity can lead to revocation. Employers must ensure proper interviews and enrollment verification.

________________________________________
2. Reason No. 5: Failure to Engage in Authorized Activity for Over 3 Months
Examples:
• A technical intern trainee goes missing shortly after arriving and ceases training.
• A student does not attend classes and works part-time excessively instead.
→ Staying in Japan without engaging in the permitted activity qualifies as a violation. Daily attendance and activity records are critical.

________________________________________
3. Reason No. 2: Repeated Unauthorized Activities
Examples:
• A student works more than 28 hours per week, exceeding the authorized part-time limit.
• A technical intern works at a restaurant or other site not designated under their status.
→ If the employer knowingly allows this, they may also be charged with promoting illegal employment.

________________________________________
⚠️ Employer Alert: “I didn’t know” is not an excuse
While revocation may seem like the foreign national’s issue, many cases are actually due to poor management by the accepting company or institution.
Key Risk Management Practices for Employers:
• Regularly check the residency card and renewal status
• Ensure clear communication with foreign staff to avoid role misunderstandings
• Confirm job duties match the permitted visa scope
• Maintain proper records of attendance, work, and training
• Avoid assigning unauthorized work beyond what the visa allows
Particularly for businesses employing technical interns and international students, close coordination with supervising organizations and language schools is essential.

________________________________________
Conclusion: Shared Responsibility for Legal Compliance
Residency revocation numbers are likely to remain at a high level in coming years. Employers should go beyond legal compliance and focus on building an environment where foreign workers can contribute with peace of mind.
Don’t treat revocation cases as someone else’s problem — use them as lessons to strengthen your employment practices.

________________________________________
References:
• Immigration Services Agency: “Revocation of Residency Status in 2024” (https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001435129.pdf)
• Immigration Act, Article 22-4
• Immigration Services Agency Press Release [13_00052] (https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/publications/press/13_00052.html)