Immigration Control: Trust us, we won't hurt you

[Mulboyne]

Asahi: A better deal for overstayers - if they turn themselves in

From Dec. 2, illegal overstayers who turn themselves in to immigration bureau officials will face greater leniency. Visa overstayers who meet certain conditions and who front up to regional immigration offices or liaison offices will not be detained. Although these individuals will face deportation after completing a few simple procedures, they likely would be allowed to return to Japan after about one year.
Immigration officials say the relaxed system is more than an amnesty; it's here to stay. The changes were included in the May revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law.
...Under the old system, all overstayers were immediately sent to detention centers where they were investigated. In most cases, those who had outstayed the immigration bureau's welcome were then deported. They were also banned from re-entering Japan for five years.
The new rules only apply to overstayers who can show they have no prior record of deportation; no record of being given prison sentences; and no other reason for being deported.(IHT/Asahi: November 9,2004)

[Big Booger]

Asahi: A better deal for overstayers - if they turn themselves in

From Dec. 2, illegal overstayers who turn themselves in to immigration bureau officials will face greater leniency. Visa overstayers who meet certain conditions and who front up to regional immigration offices or liaison offices will not be detained. Although these individuals will face deportation after completing a few simple procedures, they likely would be allowed to return to Japan after about one year.
Immigration officials say the relaxed system is more than an amnesty]

xenophobic immigration policies are the new trend.. and now they are just being a little xenophobic so it is better!