mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net wrote:

> Declan Murphy <declan_murphy@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
>>Ernest Schaal wrote:
> 
>>I fully understand your point (and the associated nitpicks - one of the 
>>benefits of being an Application Agent for the Immigration Bureau is 
>>reasonable access to staff and familiarity with procedures). What I 
>>disagree with is the notion that the state has to right to refuse entry 
>>to the legal child/spouse/dependant of a citizen. I think there is 
>>something missing from the article (I still haven't found the original 
>>July 3rd Japanese article) - perhaps the legal adoption is not yet 
>>completed, or perhaps the petitioners do not understand fully the 
>>processes of obtaining permanent residence, or whether it is appropriate 
>>in the case. Either way, there should be no need or requirement for her 
>>to leave the country, even temporarily.
> 
> It's entirely possible the adoption process isn't completed. Adoption 
> has been the easiest way of obtaining Japanese citizenship in the 
> modern era. As for leaving the country, not sure what the letter of the
> law actually states, but I was able to change my visa status several
> times in Japan  without leaving the country, which was supposedly a
> requirement.

Probably the adoption, but I think there may also be some redfaced 
bureaucrat somewhere who demanded that the certified copies of the death 
certificates be re-confirmed, realised there wasn't enough time left 
before the visa period of stay expiry, and fucked up.

Until June 2003, it was possible to apply for a change of visa status 
from tanki-taizai to other categories without leaving the country. It 
will probably revert to that situation in due course. There hasn't been 
any change in law, just in policy.

-- 
"You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on"