Under the revised laws, those who purchase a person and put him or her under
their control would face three months to five years in prison. The maximum
punishment would be increased to seven years if the victim is a minor.
In cases of human trafficking for profits or sexual purposes, the penalty would
be even harsher or the prison term would span from one year to 10 years. Human
trafficking victims would be permitted to stay in Japan at the discretion of
the justice minister so they can receive treatment before returning to their
countries. During the stay, they will be asked to cooperate with the Japanese
police in investigations, including by explaining how they had entered the
country.
Foreign nationals who are found to be involved in human trafficking will be
deported under the revised laws. Those who have provided forged travel
documents to others with the intention of sending them to Japan would face a
prison term of up to three years or a fine of up to 3m yen. The laws also
require airline operators to confirm travel documents of their passengers to
prevent human smuggling.
The move came after the US State Department placed Japan on the special watch
list of countries on the verge of falling into the worst category in human
trafficking in June last year. Earlier this month, the State Department removed
Japan from the list after it compiled an action programme, including these
legal changes, last December.
Kyodo News Service
