Fingerprinting

Regarding the new law requiring the photographing and fingerprinting of foreigners, reader Nick asks about any organizations that are lobbying against the new law.

In May 2006 the Immigration Control Law was amended to require that, from November of this year, all foreigners (except "special" permanent residents) be photographed and fingerprinted upon entering the country.

Naturally, the law has been greeted with alarm by the international community in Japan. Moreover, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations believes the amendments to the law are unconstitutional.