KUALA LUMPUR - Japan has launched its new plan to remove all illegal migrants, starting with the arrest of 19 Thai nationals in Nagano Prefecture.

Police in Suzaka City raided a house last Friday which they said was used as a shelter for people who overstayed their visas.

Officers arrested a 73 year old Thailand woman who they believe allowed a 37 year old woman to stay in Japan even though she had overstayed her visa from May 2022 to October 2025.

The group included eight Thai women aged 26 to 52 who had been living in Japan without valid documents.

Police also detained ten other Thailand nationals, both men and women aged 21 to 46, who are being investigated for possible involvement in the same case.

They are expected to face charges under Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

Tokyo police are widening an investigation into a separate case involving a 12 year old girl who was trafficked and forced to work in a massage business.

Police also raided several sites linked to that case on suspicion of labour law violations.

Japanese media reported that Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot had travelled to Japan to follow the case before continuing to Taiwan, where the child’s mother is now in custody.

“Talks with the Japanese side went well, and Thailand is negotiating an extradition process with Taiwan,” Pol Gen Thatchai said.

Japanese investigators say they will continue to look for the criminal network responsible for the trafficking of the girl.