The House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday to require fingerprinting and photographing of foreigners entering Japan as a measure to prevent terrorism.

Despite strong criticism from opposition parties, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and human rights groups, including Amnesty International Japan, the majority of Lower House members voted for the bill.

The bill will be further debated in the Upper House and is expected to be approved by the chamber in the current Diet session due to end June 19.