Job Discussion Forums

[englishtutor1378]

Been reading threads about this issue from many of you for a while and I think most of us know that it is a �BIG DEAL� and without a doubt discriminatory so I decided to start up another thread about this to maybe get more opinions. But this time it is voluntarily going into the immigration office to get �fingered� and mugged shot so here we go!

So I am contemplating whether or not to go the immigration office in Shinagawa, Tokyo to pre-register my fingerprints and photograph. I have been reading blogs on the Internet and don�t think it is too reliable. Many expats say it is not a good idea to do so because 1) It is a hastle since the immigration officers in the Shinagawa office don�t speak much English and I actually experienced that first hand 2) It might be a long and tedious process 3) It won�t make much of a difference since I hear that you have to re-register again after your visa/re-entry permit expires. Again, I don�t know how reliable these blogs are.

I figured since I have been a resident here in Japan for already over 2 years that it might be a good idea since I am planning to go in and out of the country quiet often this spring. I mean, the Japanese government already knows who I am, where I work and live, copies of my passport and gaigokujin card. In fact, all in one of their files in Shinagawa, Tokyo since I got the extension there last June 2007 and I saw them pull out a grey file. Also, I got my re-entry permit at the office there but on a different floor that day. So I figured, what is the difference adding my two index fingers to the equation? Of course it is BS but I need to go in and out and so far there are no exemptions for Native English teachers. Or will there be? I wonder if the digital photo and print actually goes into the little file they have of me in immigration and stays there or if it goes into the same database as everyone who enters the country since I know there is going to be a lot of swapping of information between departments and governments. Or both? Hey, all people want is some privacy but maybe this day and age that has already past. Doesn't everybody know that the United states already fingerprints all 10 fingers in some entry ports and the EU is planning to do somewhat the same thing in the near future? Hey, one day all the first world nations might all jump on the Band-Wagon.

Seriously, I think it is ridiculous to wait in the long line during golden week since that is the time I plan to re-enter the country to get �fingered� and a mug shot. Does anyone have any experience in this area? If so, is it true that we get like a bar code or something on our passport so when we re-enter the country we can go through the fast line or shall I say the same line as the Japanese would use to re-enter the country?

Lastly, I found a article in the Daily Yomiuri that already the Japanese government is planning to make some small changes, maybe.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080216TDY02302.htm

Maybe, all residents one day will get exempted from this process in the near-future as this country changes faster than any country I�ve ever seen. Hey, I have nothing to hide I just hate long lines!

[maya.the.bee]

i haven't heard anything about submitting prints & photos, i think it would just make it more of a hassle.

imo, the line is shorter for us now. before, we could line up with the japanese passport holders (huge line). now we have to line up with the foreign passport holders (huge line) but there was a separate line for re-entry permits (tiny tiny tiny line) when i came through kansai.

i wouldn't worry about it. if people were having problems, they'd be bitching about it here.

[johanne]

I have to agree with that. When I came back January 4th, a very busy time of year for air travel, I had the shortest wait ever coming through the re-entry line. I don't think it's worth it to get pre-registered if you are coming in through Narita, which I assume you are since you are talking about the Shinagawa immigration office. I've heard other airports, however, don't have dedicated re-entry permit lines.

By the way, I came in with my daughter who has a Japanese passport and we could go through the foreigner's re-entry line together so if you are a mixed Japanese/foreign family you can all take advantage of the short, short re-entry line.

[chinagirl]

I have gone through immigration since the change and it is hassle-free. The line is indeed faster and shorter now, since most foreigners on any incoming plane do not have residence in Japan. I wouldn't bother pre-registering.

As for the fingerprinting itself, I would rather not do it, but as an American that would be like the pot calling the kettle black, since we fingerprint incoming foreigners these days as well.

[Brooks]

I think Kansai has the speedy line as well.

In the US it is worse. At San Francisco and at Dulles in Washington, foreign visitors have to give prints of every finger at immigration.
I plan on going to San Francisco this summer. My Japanese wife will say I have it easy.

[englishtutor1378]

Speaking of fast lines and hassles, take a look at this link.

http://www.zdnetindia.com/index.php?action=article&prodid=17303&chid=128&Ref=Security

I actually have been reading about this since 1999 and from all the articles I have read over the years it seems that biometric technology is inevitable. Soon, everybody will know everybody. I mean look at when the Internet came out, most people were nervous about putting pictures on the Internet or e-mailing pictures and giving out others' contact e-mails, etc...

Now-a-days, it�s too easy to find somebody who knows somebody and take a look at their picture and get their contact e-mail. I mean, my friends always send bulk mails and it usually contains my full name right beside it. Dammit! Privacy boys, Privacy! Is there such thing anymore? As you all know, that is just one example.

Let�s face it, gone are the days where we can go anywhere and no one has a clue who we are. Gone are the days the poor and repressed can escape their native land in search of a better life elsewhere by sneaking into a country that can give them and their family more opportunities. This is the information age and there is no way to avoid it unless you choose to live in a cave. Then again, no one cares. Although I feel sorry for those who are constantly stalked because it is just too easy for the bad to abuse what is available, too easy.

[englishtutor1378]

Here some new info I found that helps validate my claims:

http://solreka.com/blog/2012/biometrics-part-1/