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AgentMulderUK

Dear all,

I have something of a dilemma. And advice appreciated.

I left Japan just before xmas, now it seems the best thing for me is to return to work there , even thought I am not overjoyed about it ,its better than the alternative right now.

I still have my working visa from the job I left. I have a re-entry permit too, visa valid until Novemeber 08

Now, what will the people say as I arrive at immigration..I have been out the country for nearly 3 months.

What did you say to them ?

Should I say I was working back home...or basically lie and think of a reason.

Under quite a bit of stress at the moment, in my life.

Hence, I would be real greatful to you.

Regards
Mulder

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

I would also be interested in hearing about anyone's experience re-entering Japan after a long break on the same visa. I think this has come up before on this forum, and if I remember correctly, one person had no problem, but one person heard of someone having their work visa canceled by immigration at the airport (that person was "down-graded" to a tourist visa).
Does anyone know if there is an actual rule or law that immigration officers follow, or is it case-by-case?

I left Japan to work in Brazil, and although I want to stay here, who knows, I might have to return to Japan. If I do try to return to Japan, I was thinking of telling the immigration officer I was on a leave of absence from my company due to a family issue back home....and I might book my ticket to arrive in Japan on a Sunday so the immigration officer wouldn't be able to call the former company to confirm.....just an idea.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

What's to say? You went home for personal business. It was only 3 months, and your visa and reentry permit are in order. That's what they are there for...re-entry!

Welcome back!

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 2:33 am Post subject:

Thank you sincerely for taking the time to post.

Life is a jolly crisis isn't it Wink

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Back in 2001 I left Japan 6 months into a 3 years visa. 7 months later I came back, and Immigration didn't blink an eyelid, just let me in on the same visa the same as they do if I've only been away 2 weeks. I don't know whether any rules have changed since then, but 3 months isn't all that long- if you were asked you could even say you had been travelling, I don't see why that wouldn't be an acceptable answer.

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

Just curious. Do you need your old Foreign Registration Card in these situations? I imagine you need to turn in your card to your city office when you depart Japan, and so would not have it upon your return months later.

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:51 am Post subject:

Good point parrothead. I still have a foreigners card. I suppose they don't take it off people that have a re-entry visa.

It says renew within 30 days starting from 28th Apr 2008,so presumably that would be a cut-off point right there.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

You only have to surrender your alien registration card if your visa is close to its expiry date or you have no re-entry permit. I left on a valid re-entry permit with a visa 2 and a half years from its expiry date, so took my card with me and brought it back with me on return.

My card was a long way from expiring- I don't know what happens if it expires while you are away, but I'm guessing there is some leniency on the part of Immigration here- after all, how can you renew your card if you aren't in Japan?

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:17 pm Post subject:

One thing still bugs me . Well, a lot of things bug me, but one thing regarding the topic..

I phoned the Japanese embassy in London. They said the employer is now encoded into the "new" style work visa (in the block bar - code thing).

What if this ex-employer of mine somehow got the hump and sought to wreak destruction. I think probably not,but since his company is apparently on it...

Do I believe the guy at the Embassy? No actually. Does anyone else?

bish · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 30

AgentMulderUK · Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:24 am Post subject:

Just as an update for information for those in similar predicaments..

Having been out of Japan almost 6months in total, coming back with a re-entry permit raised no eyebrows whatsoever.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Glad to hear.

Same for me, and a friend of mine as well.