Japan defends new entry regulations
Japan's new immigration procedure comes into force today.
We have explained the new procedures to the relevant authorities in Hong Kong, to the travel industry, and to the media.
As the situation surrounding international terrorism remains critical, the Japanese government decided on an 'Action Plan for the Prevention of Terrorism' in December 2004. One of the measures is the strengthening of border controls, primarily targeted at terrorism but also with the aim of preventing various other types of cross-border offences such as international organised crime and illegal immigration. The action plan led to the proposal that biometric information be used at immigration control points.
Kevin Rafferty criticised the new immigration procedures ('Deluded Japan's intelligence failure', November 3), stating that even if biometric information such as fingerprints is obtained, this will not prevent terrorists from entering Japan and so the new procedures will not have any effect in countering terrorism. However, people with links to al-Qaeda and who are on the international wanted list of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) are repeatedly entering Japan illegally using forged travel documents and under other people's names. Personal particulars such as names or dates of birth can be easily falsified. However, with the new entry procedures, it will now be possible to check and verify the biometric information provided by fingerprints and facial photos, which is less easily faked, against information on wanted lists and blacklists.
On Rafferty's other point, I have heard many opinions on the expected longer waiting times at immigration following implementation of the new procedures. The immigration bureau is also concerned about this and will invest great efforts into preventing possible prolonged queuing times by improving the immigration control process. To ensure the smooth implementation of the new system, it also plans to deploy staff to provide assistance at the country's main air and sea ports.
The government of Japan is asking for greater co-operation from foreign visitors to Japan following the implementation of the new entry procedures. Let me stress, however, that our aim is to improve Japan's security as a whole, so that even foreign visitors will be able to enjoy travelling to and in our country in safety.
