News
Japan to fingerprint visitors
09 March 2006
Visitors to Japan may soon have to give their fingerprints and other data before being allowed out of the airport.
Legislation has already been approved by the cabinet and the Japanese government wants it to become law before parliament's session ends on June 18th.
If adopted, every ship and aeroplane will have to provide lists of passenger and crew to the authorities in a bid to prevent the threat of terrorism. Only diplomats, permanent residents, Koreans born in Japan and youths under the age of 16 will be exempt.
The measures will be similar to ones already taken by the US for foreign visitors.
Nearly 7.5 million people visited Japan last year and the government wants to improve its entry procedure to include photographing and fingerprinting tourists.
By cross-checking fingerprint data electronically, those pushing for the bill hope to increase the security levels already in operation at the country's air and sea ports.
© Adfero Ltd
Legislation has already been approved by the cabinet and the Japanese government wants it to become law before parliament's session ends on June 18th.
If adopted, every ship and aeroplane will have to provide lists of passenger and crew to the authorities in a bid to prevent the threat of terrorism. Only diplomats, permanent residents, Koreans born in Japan and youths under the age of 16 will be exempt.
The measures will be similar to ones already taken by the US for foreign visitors.
Nearly 7.5 million people visited Japan last year and the government wants to improve its entry procedure to include photographing and fingerprinting tourists.
By cross-checking fingerprint data electronically, those pushing for the bill hope to increase the security levels already in operation at the country's air and sea ports.
© Adfero Ltd
