We staged a week-long sit-in protest in front of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau.

34 undocumented foreign residents from 17 families and 3 individuals staged a week-long sit-in in front of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau from Monday, May 20th to Friday, May 24th, 2013. The 34 individuals represent eight different countries: the Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Guinea, Mali, and Peru.

This action was taken with the aim of informing more people that undocumented foreign residents are seeking to stay in Japan, and to urge the Ministry of Justice and the Immigration Bureau to grant special permission for residence as soon as possible.

Throughout the rain and under the scorching sun, their continued efforts garnered widespread support and empathy.

Many people who happened to be passing by the Tokyo Immigration Bureau joined us in our sit-in protest, requesting special permission to stay in Japan. Our actions were also reported nationwide through the media. We received encouragement from people in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, who were visiting to provide disaster relief. They learned about our problem through television news and called us.

"Don't tear my family apart," "I want to get a visa and start working as soon as possible for the sake of my family," "I want to give back to Japan"—each of them expressed their feelings in front of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau. These 34 people were not acting solely for themselves. It was impressive to see them continuing to appeal with hoarse voices, hoping that as many of their fellow sufferers as possible would be granted special permission to stay in Japan.

I submitted requests to the Tokyo Immigration Bureau at the start and end of my trip. I was told that the requests would be forwarded to the Director of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau.

In the afternoon, we went to the Ministry of Justice and submitted our request. Three people, including Section Chief Aoyagi of the Trial Division, handled it. The contents of the request are as follows:
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1. Please grant residency to undocumented foreign families with children born in Japan.
2. Please grant residency to undocumented foreign nationals who are spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents.
3. Please grant residency to undocumented foreign nationals who are staying in Japan undocumented.
4. Please evaluate its potential for integration into Japanese society.
5. Do not re-detain or deport the 34 individuals from 5.17 families.
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Taking action and submitting a petition does not automatically mean that special permission to stay in Japan will be granted. The 17 families and 3 individuals (34 people in total) will continue their efforts to seek special permission to stay in Japan. We ask for your continued support and cooperation.

● Provide support through volunteer work
This initiative is supported by volunteers.
Why not join us as a volunteer and participate in this initiative?
Regarding volunteer applications,HerePlease see here.

● Contribute by making a donation
Our actions incur significant costs. We would greatly appreciate your donations to help us continue our work.
Regarding donationsHerePlease see here.

● Support by signing the petition
Of the 17 families and 3 individuals totaling 34 people, some are conducting a signature campaign to request special permission to stay in Japan.
We would greatly appreciate your signature. If you are able to help, please contact us at the address below.

[Contact information for inquiries regarding this matter]
ASIAN PEOPLE'S FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY (APFS), a specified non-profit organization.
Address: 56-6 Oyama Higashi-cho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0014, Japan, Mezone Oyama 301
TEL 03-3964-8739 FAX 03-3579-0197 E-mail apfs-1987@nifty.com