Justice Ministry may clamp down on foreigners

from the Mainichi Daily News:

Justice Ministry may clamp down on foreigners following Peruvian's arrest for murder

Justice Minister Seiken Sugiura said on Friday that a ministry task group would discuss what measures to take in connection with accepting foreign workers after a Peruvian man was arrested for killing an elementary schoolgirl.

The 30-year-old Peruvian man reportedly admitted to killing the 7-year-old girl in Hiroshima, but denied any premeditated intention to murder her.

"He apparently has permanent resident status and reportedly is a third-generation Peruvian of Japanese descent," Sugiura said. "If there are problems in the way Japan accepts foreigners, a working group led by Deputy Justice Minister Taro Kono will discuss what measures to take."

Sources said that the in-house working group would discuss better ways to filter foreign workers and stronger measures against those who overstay their visas.