Vietnam's government promulgated Decree 283/2026/ND-CP on July 15, 2026, imposing fines on Vietnamese workers who illegally overstay abroad without justification after their employment contracts end. The decree takes effect on September 10, 2026. As Vietnam is one of the largest source countries for Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) personnel, this development is relevant to host employers and registered support organizations in Japan.
Contents of Decree 283
- Worker who illegally overstays: fine of 80-100 million VND (roughly ¥480,000-600,000)
- Brokers/intermediaries who unlawfully recruit or induce overstay: comparable fine
- Entities operating outside their permitted scope: fine of up to 200 million VND
- Statute of limitations for overseas-employment violations: extended to 2 years (1 year for general labor/social insurance matters)
- Promulgated: July 15, 2026 / Effective: September 10, 2026
Situation in Japan
Because returning before the effective date is seen as a way to avoid the new penalty, reports say the number of people appearing at immigration offices across Japan seeking repatriation procedures has increased. At the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau, waiting lines reportedly extended from the 6th to the 7th floor.
Overstay Statistics and Vietnam
According to Immigration Services Agency statistics, the number of overstayers as of January 1, 2026 was 68,488 (down 8.5% year on year), of whom 11,601 were Vietnamese nationals (down 2,695 from the prior year). Vietnam ranks near the top among nationalities in technical intern disappearance cases, and the decree is part of the Vietnamese government's stronger measures against overseas absconding and overstay (for the latest disappearance statistics, see Technical Intern Disappearances Fell 39.3% in 2025 to 3,950).
Implications for SSW Host Employers and Registered Support Organizations
According to Immigration Services Agency statistics, the number of SSW residents in Japan reached approximately 336,000 as of the end of June 2025 (the latest preliminary figure for end-July 2026 is 432,016 SSW Category 1 residents). Vietnam is one of the leading source countries, and workers' decisions around job changes or repatriation after contract termination may be affected by this decree. Host employers and registered support organizations are advised to maintain a system for tracking the residence and contract status of their SSW employees.
Summary
- Vietnam's Decree 283/2026/ND-CP was promulgated July 15, 2026, effective September 10, 2026
- Fine of 80-100 million VND for illegal overstay; statute of limitations extended to 2 years
- Reports indicate immigration offices in Japan are congested as people rush to return before the deadline
- Overstayers as of January 1, 2026: 68,488, of whom 11,601 were Vietnamese
- SSW residents in Japan totaled approximately 336,000 as of June 2025 (latest: 432,016 Category 1 residents at end-July 2026)
For establishing a residence-status verification system for SSW employees and for registered support organization operations, entrusting the matter to a qualified registered support organization and handling it carefully is essential. Consult Sakura Central Legal Office (MOJ-certified application agent).