The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has implemented special measures to support foreign residents affected by the "Reiwa 8 (2026) Kumamoto Earthquake" that occurred on July 28, 2026. This measure is a relief step to protect foreigners who find it difficult to complete administrative procedures due to the sudden natural disaster, ensuring they do not lose their legal status of residence or face disadvantages.
The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare promulgated the relevant notification based on the "Act on Special Measures for Specified Emergency Disasters" and put it into effect on August 7, 2026. Accordingly, the expiration dates of a total of six items, including the period of stay and residence card validity for foreigners living in the earthquake-affected areas, will be collectively extended.
재류기간 연장 대상자와 조건
Those eligible for this special measure are foreign nationals who had ties to the affected areas at the time of the Kumamoto Earthquake. The specific conditions are as follows:
- Reference Date and Stay Status: Must have held a valid status of residence and been staying in Japan as of July 28, 2026, when the earthquake occurred.
- Expiration Date Range: The original expiration date of the period of stay must fall between July 28, 2026, and January 26, 2027.
- Regional Requirement: Must have had a registered address (residence) or actually been staying in a municipality (area) where the Disaster Relief Act was applied.
This extension applies not only to standard work or student visas but also to holders of "Temporary Visitor" visas staying for tourism or visiting relatives. It also includes applicants within the "special period" who had already applied for a change or renewal of residence status at the time of the earthquake and were awaiting results. For those eligible, the expiration date is collectively extended to January 27, 2027.
심사 지연 시 '특례기간' 적용 방식
Even if the final result (permission or denial) of the residence application is not issued by the new expiration date of January 27, 2027, there is no need to worry.
In this case, a new special period will automatically begin on the following day, January 28, 2027. During this special period, the validity of the existing residence card remains in effect until the screening results are released, allowing foreign residents to await the outcome without worrying about illegal stay.
현 시점에서의 주의사항: 출입국재류관리국 방문 자제
The most important point for affected foreign residents to note is that there is no immediate need to visit the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (immigration office) to update their residence cards.
- No Updates to Card Details: The Immigration Services Agency is currently preparing to collectively update expiration dates in its computer system. Therefore, even if you visit a local immigration office now, they will not, in principle, write the new expiration date on the back of your residence card or issue a new card immediately.
- Refrain from Unnecessary Travel: With disaster recovery underway, reducing unnecessary travel and ensuring safety is the priority. You do not need to rush to government offices until the system updates are complete, and no legal disadvantages will occur.
Meanwhile, support measures have also been established for "Registered Support Organizations" with addresses or offices in the affected areas. If the expiration date of such an organization's registration falls after the date of the earthquake, its validity will similarly be extended to January 27, 2027.
This measure serves as an important safety net to prevent foreign residents, who are already experiencing major disruptions in their daily lives and administrative tasks due to the disaster, from facing double hardships regarding their residence status. Foreign nationals in the affected areas are advised to carefully check if they qualify and stay tuned for further announcements from the authorities.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: 出入国在留管理庁