Butone cannot extend the period of stay which was given at the time when the Re-entry permit was granted. This change will take effect from February 18th,2000. Thirdly, Working visa, which foreign students need to acquire when employedby Japanese companies, are extended from 1 year to 3 years maximum. Lastly, fingerprinting requirements, that were needed at times of alien registration for instance, will be totally abolished. It is expected that therewill be no more fingerprinting necessary from April 1st, 2000.
Japan is a nation in which the guarantor system is part of various sectors of the society.
The system has often worked to the disadvantage of international students in Japan. In recent years, the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Education along with several universities have examined ways to alter the guarantor system in three areas that are said to function as a big barrier against international students. And the University of Tokyo revised its faculty rules in January 1997 to abolish the guarantor requirement for admission for all students including Japanese students. It is, however, difficult for the government or universities to do away with the joint surety requirement for renting apartments as it is based on long-standing business practice in the private sector. Many Japanese students ask their parents or relatives residing in the vicinity to be their guarantor, but most international students are not able to do so.