A new system has been outlined for the residence of the foreign residents which combines the information collected through the Immigration Control Act and the Alien Registration Law respectively. The new system went in to effect on July 9, 2012.
So all the foreign nationals who are residing in Japan for a medium or long term will be subject to this new system. The person has to appear in person at the nearest regional immigration bureau, to apply for a new card. After the introduction of the new system of residence management, the current alien registration system will become defunct. The foreign residents will get a new card which they have to always carry with them.
