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The paperwork required to get a work visa in Japan (and I am sure in most other countries) is significant. We were expected to get ID cards and carry them.  My card also served as my ID for medical services. It could also have been on the same card as my drivers license if I had converted my license.

The police were not unreasonable about it.  Shortly after arriving in Japan, I was stopped while riding my bike for exercise and did not have my card nor passport.  The cop asked me questions which were easy for me to answer even in my rusty Japanese. (Where do you live?  You're not a tourist?  Where do you work?  Which office? Please bring your passport and show us sometime.)

Getting in line, filling out the application, and carrying a card is NOT too much to ask of an immigrant.

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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