📅 The date of this article is
Monday, December 29, 2025.
It has been about half a month since my last post.
The end of the year has been much busier than I expected, and I was not able to write articles as often as I wanted.
As the year comes to an end, I plan to take things a little more slowly and prepare articles so that I can start the new year with a positive mindset.
📌 Today’s Topic: Illegal Work Outside One’s Visa Status
“Illegal work outside one’s visa status” refers to a situation where a foreign national who holds a work-restricted visa engages in employment without obtaining permission for activities outside the permitted status.
💡 Example
For example, if a student works part-time as a hall staff member at an izakaya without obtaining permission for activities outside the visa status, this constitutes illegal work outside the visa status.
⚖️ Legal Consequences
Those who engage in illegal work outside their visa status may be subject to criminal penalties.
In addition, if the situation is deemed to be conducted “exclusively” or “clearly” as unauthorized employment, it may also constitute grounds for deportation under immigration law.
📝 A Technical but Important Note
Foreign nationals who enter Japan without holding any valid status of residence and work illegally do not fall under the category of “illegal work outside one’s visa status.”
(However, they are subject to other serious immigration violations.)
🏢 From Our Practical Experience
At our office, we handle many applications for permission to engage in activities outside the permitted visa status.
Even so, we strongly hope that everyone will strictly follow the rules.
⏰ The 28-Hour Rule Must Be Observed
In particular, the 28-hour-per-week limit must be strictly observed.
We have encountered a case where a person with a Dependent visa earned over 3 million yen per year, exceeding the income of the principal visa holder.
As a result, the application for extension of the period of stay was denied.
Frankly speaking, this outcome is understandable, but it is something everyone should be very careful about.
💴 Cash Payments Are Also Illegal
Some employers may pay wages in cash (“hand cash”).
This practice is illegal and must be avoided.
🤔 Why Is the 28-Hour Limit Applied to Dependents?
Some people may wonder why dependents are only allowed to work up to 28 hours per week.
To be honest, I sometimes have similar questions myself.
However, the current rules must be respected above all else.
Any change to this system is a matter for the legislative branch.
🌏 In Today’s Climate
Recently, foreign nationals may face increased scrutiny simply because of their nationality.
For this reason, it is important for all of us to remain cautious and ensure compliance with the rules together.
See you again.
📖 Reference
Yamawaki, Yasutsugu (2020)
Immigration Control Law and Practical Management and Auditing of Foreign Labor
Nihon Kajo Publishing
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