Manila: The Japanese government is set to bolster its Immigration Services Agency by adding approximately 200 employees starting next fiscal year, informed sources revealed on Wednesday. This personnel increase is part of a broader strategy to enhance enforcement against illegal residents and expedite residency status screenings as the nation experiences a rise in foreign residents.

According to Philippines News Agency, an ordinance revision facilitating this staff augmentation is anticipated to receive approval at a cabinet meeting as early as this month. During fiscal 2025, the agency had a workforce comprising 6,499 personnel, including 1,687 immigration control officers and 3,988 immigration inspectors. This marked an increase of 633 employees since fiscal 2020; however, the agency continues to require more resources to effectively manage its demanding workload.

The Immigration Services Agency reported that as of January, there were 68,488 foreign nationals residing illegally in Japan, despite two consecutive years of decline. In response, the Justice Ministry announced a new policy package in May to reinforce measures against illegal residency. This includes increasing the agency's staff to target businesses that enable illegal employment and gathering related information via social media.