A growing number of foreign visitors who entered Japan with short-term visas for the Osaka Expo are now looking for ways to remain in the country beyond their permitted stay.
According to a gyosei-shoshi (an immigration specialist), several individuals have approached with questions such as: "I came for the Expo, my visa is still valid, but can I switch to another type of visa?" The most common option they ask about is a work visa, but such a change requires an employment contract with a Japanese company, which is not easy without sufficient Japanese language skills.
Some people have even tried to apply for refugee status despite not meeting the criteria, a move that has sparked criticism across Japanese social media.
In July, one Ethiopian woman who had been staying in Japan as part of the Expo’s international exchange program disappeared from her accommodation. Her case received wide media coverage, and she was later found safe in August.
by engrishspeaker