KUALA LUMPUR - Japan recorded a new high of 318 foreign nationals forcibly deported with officer escorts in 2025 after they refused to leave the country voluntarily despite being found to be staying illegally.

The figure, reported by The Yomiuri Shimbun on April 27, increased as the Immigration Services Agency moved to take stricter action against illegal residents.

On March 11, a man from an East Asian country protested strongly at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau after being told he would be forcibly deported.

The man had entered and stayed in Japan illegally several times and received his fourth deportation order in 2022.

He refused to return voluntarily, saying he wanted to remain with his Japanese wife despite repeated requests from authorities.

The agency classified his case as a serious offence and decided to carry out forced deportation with officers escorting him.

He was later deported from Haneda Airport together with another individual under close supervision by officers on board the flight.

Under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, a total of 7,563 illegal immigrants were deported in 2025.

About 90% of those deported chose to return voluntarily at their own expense, according to the agency.

Those who refuse voluntary return are deported by force with officers escorting them, with costs covered by the authorities.

The number of forced deportations rose from 216 in 2018 to 318 in 2025 after dropping to 15 in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The figure increased again to 119 in 2023 and 249 in 2024 before reaching the latest record.

By nationality, Turkish nationals made up the largest group at 71, followed by Filipinos at 46.

The agency aims to reduce illegal immigration to zero, although about 68,500 illegal residents were estimated to be in the country as of January.

One key measure to achieve this goal is the continued use of forced deportations for those who refuse to leave.

Authorities plan to increase forced deportations further to 500 cases by 2027.

It is only natural to take firm action against foreign nationals who don’t follow the rules.

Human rights groups have raised concerns over the stricter enforcement measures.

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations warned that such policies could risk deporting individuals who may qualify as refugees.

The group also said the plan is likely to cause anxiety, prejudice and discrimination against foreign nationals.

Lawyer Kazuya Namerikawa said authorities should assess each case carefully instead of focusing only on meeting targets.

Experts also noted that children may be affected, as they could be forced to leave due to their parents’ immigration status.

Susumu Takahashi said strict enforcement must be balanced with proper consideration of human rights and clear explanations from the government.