Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Japan’s Immigration Services Agency recently deported two Uzbek citizens who were staying in the country illegally to Uzbekistan.
This was stated in a press release issued by the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan on 6 October 2026. According to the title of the press release, the deportation was carried out at public expense.
According to the embassy, both citizens entered Japan on student visas, remained in the country after their visas expired and were subsequently detained by the authorities.
The embassy reminded citizens that student visas are issued for educational purposes and do not permit holders to earn money.
Those found to be staying illegally or working illegally face strict measures, including detention and arrest by police, placement in an immigration detention centre and deportation.
The Japanese government provides information about offenders to the Uzbek government, meaning that measures may also be taken against them after they return to Uzbekistan, the embassy said. The embassy urged citizens to exercise extreme caution and not to trust offers claiming that “it is possible to work in Japan.”
The embassy also highlighted a common misconception that applying for refugee status allows a person to “stay in the country for a long time” or “work.” Applications cannot be submitted for such purposes.
If refugee status is denied, a person may be placed in an immigration detention centre or deported.
The embassy warned that providing false information or using fraudulent methods when submitting an application may result in serious legal consequences.
