Declan Murphy <declan_murphy@hotmail.com> wrote:

> > See: <http://globalwarming.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/04.html#a>,
> > scroll down to Dependent then scroll up again to see the category at the
> > top of that section (Statuses of residence not permitting work). Spouse
> > of Japanese National is in the category below that.
> 
> Assuming the wife of the original poster is a foreigner and will be a
> dependant, then along with sprogs, they would be on the kazoku-taizai
> visa, a status of residence not permitting work (as mentioned above).
> However, in the case of the spouse, she would almost certainly be 
> granted on application to the nearest immigration bureau a document 
> called "Permission to engage in activities other than those designated
> by current visa status". 

...providing, of course, that said spouse is happy just with part-time
work. It's not clear what nationality she is (since the original poster
was so vague about where they are coming from), but if she's British she
might not be able to get such permission (thank you s-o-o-o-o-o much for
that, Mrs Thatcher). 

> Of course, if the wife sought 
> full-time work (beats hanging out in Azabu supermarkets and the Tokyo
> American Club?), then it would be possible to take up the job, subject
> to applying for change of visa status (shikakuhenkou). If the employer
> is prepared to wait 6-10 weeks for this to be approved, then no problem.

Yup.
> 
> > Years ago, when I had some contact with the expat community, a common
> > complaint amongst gaigin spouses was that they were not permitted to
> > work on their visas. Many left Japan precisely because of that.
> 
> Aye. But that was years ago.

Truenuff. That might hold for the restrictions on the Permission,
too....

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                   Louise Bremner (log at gol dot com)
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