Nepali Man Arrested for Overstaying Visa After Report That "a Foreigner Has Been Living at a Kiyama Shrine"
This article organizes publicly available information into a single account. Where it describes an arrest or an ongoing investigation, that reflects only one stage of criminal procedure and does not mean guilt has been established (the presumption of innocence applies). We will update this article as new information becomes available, including the outcome of prosecution, non-prosecution, or trial. This article is not intended to unfairly disparage any individual, group, nationality, ethnicity, or belief, and aims to provide objective, fact-based information.
Saga Prefectural Police's Tosu Station announced by August 3, 2026 that it had arrested a 22-year-old Nepali national of no fixed address and unstated occupation on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (illegal overstay). He is accused of remaining in Japan illegally after his period of stay, which had expired on May 19, 2026, without applying for an extension or change of status.
According to the police, a report was received on August 1 stating that "a foreigner has been living at a shrine in Kiyama Town." While patrolling the area in response, officers located the suspect within the town.
Current status: Whether the case will be referred for prosecution remains unclear as of this writing. This article will be updated as further details emerge.
Regarding illegal overstayers who remain in Japan past their period of stay, the government has rolled out a series of enforcement measures, including the emergency addition of 226 immigration staff (related coverage) and the "Zero Illegal Overstayers Plan - Intensive Promotion Package" (related coverage). This case appears to be one example of an arrest made amid this broader crackdown.