The recent Kumamoto Earthquake has caused significant disruption to the daily lives of many foreign residents. When important documents are damaged, housing becomes unstable, or employment conditions suddenly change, foreign residents often face additional difficulties due to language barriers and unfamiliar administrative procedures.

As a certified specialist in immigration procedures based in Kumamoto, our office provides professional, legally accurate, and practical support for foreign residents affected by the disaster. We assist with procedures before the Immigration Services Agency, municipal offices, and other public institutions.

1. Documents & Immigration Procedures

Earthquakes frequently lead to the loss or damage of essential identification documents. Foreign residents may face serious challenges if their residence card, passport, or other legal documents are missing or unreadable.

We provide professional assistance with:

• Reissuance of residence cards (在留カード再交付申請)
• Passport-related issues (lost, damaged, or unreadable)
• Filing lost-property reports with the police
• Preparing documents required by the Immigration Services Agency
• Guidance on maintaining legal status during periods of disruption

Our support ensures that foreign residents can continue their stay in Japan without interruption or legal risk.

2. Housing, Certificates & Daily Life Support

Many foreign residents struggle to access municipal support due to language barriers or unfamiliarity with Japanese administrative systems.

We assist with:

• Procedures for 罹災証明書 (Disaster Damage Certificates)
• Communication with municipal offices regarding temporary housing
• Translation of essential notices and disaster-related information
• Support for accessing local welfare or emergency assistance programs
• Guidance on utilities, relocation, and daily-life procedures

Accurate documentation is often required to receive public support. We help foreign residents complete these procedures correctly and efficiently.

3. Employment & Visa Stability

Disasters can disrupt workplaces, reduce working hours, or force temporary closures. For foreign residents, these changes may directly affect their visa status, especially for those on work-related residence categories.

We provide support with:

• Visa concerns related to reduced working hours or temporary leave
• Procedures required when changing employers after the disaster
• Communication with companies regarding employment conditions
• Guidance on maintaining status of residence during unstable periods
• Consultation on future visa planning if work conditions change

Our office ensures that foreign residents do not face unexpected visa problems due to disaster-related employment issues.

✨ Closing Message

Foreign residents should not face disaster-related difficulties alone. Our office provides legally accurate, bilingual support to ensure that every foreign resident in Kumamoto can continue their life safely and securely after the earthquake.

Consultations are available in English and Japanese, and all disaster-related support is free of charge.

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