## (2) Measures to be Introduced under the New System of Residence Management

The new system of residence management is expected to facilitate the following processes for foreign nationals residing in Japan for a medium to long term: (i) issuance of a residence card after obtaining a permit, such as landing permission, permission for extension of period of stay, and permission for changes of status of residence; (ii) report of changes by foreign nationals to the Minister of Justice during the period of their stay; and (iii) provision of information about foreign nationals to the Minister of Justice from organizations, to which they belong such as a school at which they study. This will enable the Minister of Justice to precisely and continuously keep information related to the residence conditions of foreign nationals. Information about the situation of foreign nationals residing in Japan for a medium to long term will be carefully kept under the system and will be reflected in the Basic Residents' Registration for Foreign Nationals in municipalities, which will be newly established in accordance with the Act for Partial Amendment of the Basic Residents' Registration Act (Act No. 77 of 2009). As a result, foreign residents will be able to receive enhanced administrative services.

Along with the introduction of the system to keep precise information necessary for residence management, provisions to enhance convenience, including extension of the maximum period of stay and review of the re-entry permit system, will be established. The detailed provisions are as shown below. Measures under the new system of residence management shall be implemented from the date designated by the cabinet order within three years from the date of promulgation (specifically, it is expected to be around July 2012).

### A. Measures for establishing a system that enables the Minister of Justice to keep necessary information continuously

(A) The Minister of Justice shall grant a residence card specifying basic matters for identification, status of residence, period of stay, etc., to foreign nationals residing in Japan with the status of residence under the Immigration Control Act as medium to long-term residents (hereinafter referred to as “medium to long-term residents”), except those who fall under any of the following: (i) those whose period of stay for three months or less has been approved; (ii) those whose status of residence as “Temporary Visitor” has been approved; (iii) those whose status of residence as “Diplomat” or “Official” has been approved; or (iv) those who are stipulated as equivalent to the above foreign nationals by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Justice.

(B) Medium to long-term residents shall inform the Minister of Justice of the addresses of the main residence in Japan where they decide to reside after landing through the head of the municipality where they live, within a certain period of time (The place of residence will be included on their residence cards).

(C) Medium to long-term residents shall inform the Minister of Justice of any change in not only the matters contained in their residence cards (change of place of residence will be informed through the municipal head), but also the organizations to which they belong and their personal status or position, according to their status of residence.

(D) The Minister of Justice shall be allowed to obtain information about medium to long-term residents