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.
The number of illegal immigrants is increasing.
Specifically refers to someone who entered the country illegally, rather than overstaying a visa.
He was deported as an illegal entrant.
A more neutral or euphemistic term sometimes used in academic or advocacy contexts, meaning 'irregular stay person.'
Discuss the human rights of irregular migrants.
To refer specifically to someone who entered legally but remained after their visa expired.
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.
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.'
Crackdowns on overstayers have been intensified.