Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'illegal immigrant' is most commonly expressed with the term 不法滞在者 (fuhō taizaisha), which literally means 'person staying illegally.' This is the standard legal and news term. Other expressions exist for specific contexts, such as overstaying a visa or entering without inspection.
To refer to someone who is in a country without legal permission, in a general sense.
Standard term used in legal, news, and formal contexts. Literally 'illegal stay person.'
不法滞在者の数は増加している。
The number of illegal immigrants is increasing.
Specifically refers to someone who entered the country illegally, rather than overstaying a visa.
彼は不法入国者として強制送還された。
He was deported as an illegal entrant.
A more neutral or euphemistic term sometimes used in academic or advocacy contexts, meaning 'irregular stay person.'
非正規滞在者の人権について議論する。
Discuss the human rights of irregular migrants.
To refer specifically to someone who entered legally but remained after their visa expired.
Common loanword from English 'overstay,' used as a noun or suru-verb. Often used in immigration contexts.
彼はオーバーステイで捕まった。
He was caught for overstaying.
To refer to someone who is working without proper authorization, often because of their immigration status.
Standard term for an illegal worker, often used for immigrants working without permission.
不法就労者が工場で働いていた。
Illegal workers were working at the factory.
The direct translation 不法移民 (fuhō imin) is not commonly used in Japanese. The standard term is 不法滞在者 (fuhō taizaisha). Using 不法移民 may sound unnatural or like a direct translation from English.
不法滞在者 is the broadest term for anyone staying illegally. 不法入国者 specifically means someone who entered illegally. 不法残留者 specifically means someone who entered legally but overstayed. In many contexts, 不法滞在者 is sufficient.
Legal term for a person who overstays their visa. Literally 'illegal remaining person.'
不法残留者の取り締まりが強化された。
Crackdowns on overstayers have been intensified.