Corporate mobility directors, HR leads, and legal compliance teams managing expatriate personnel in East Asia face a major shift in identity verification and administrative procedures. Under amendments to Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has introduced the Specified Residence Card (特定在留カード)—a consolidated digital credential merging the traditional Residence Card with the My Number (Individual Number) card.
Japan Introduces Integrated Specified Residence Card
Under the revised operational framework, mid- to long-term foreign residents and Special Permanent Residents undergoing in-country immigration procedures—such as extensions of stay, status changes, or permanent residency applications—can opt for an integrated single-card solution. Previously, foreign workers were required to complete two separate administrative workflows: renewing their stay at the Immigration Services Bureau and subsequently updating their My Number status at their local ward office.
The Specified Residence Card streamlines this process into a single transaction. Crucially, the physical surface of the new card no longer displays sensitive parameters like the period of stay, visa type, or issuance date. Instead, these fields are stored securely within the embedded IC chip and verified digitally via official reader applications, reducing identity fraud and administrative overhead for corporate employers.
Saudi Arabia Expands Digital Visa & UK ETA Channels
Concurrently, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) rolled out the pilot Integrated Package Visa alongside an expanded Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) service for UK citizens. The updates allow short-term business travelers, technical consultants, and corporate guests to obtain streamlined digital travel clearance linked directly to verified itinerary bookings and airline portals.
Identity & Documentation Compliance Overview
| Compliance Parameter | Legacy Rule Framework | Updated 2026 Digital Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Japan Residence Identification | Dual cards (Residence Card + Municipal My Number Card). | Optional Specified Residence Card integrating both into an IC chip. |
| Visa Surface Details (Japan) | Period of stay & visa category printed on front face. | Encrypted in IC chip; verified via official ISA app. |
| Saudi UK Business Entry | Standard consular e-Visa or visa on arrival. | Instant digital ETA authorization for UK passport holders. |
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