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GPASS: A Step Forward in Foreign Worker Management

As the number of foreign workers in Japan continues to rise, reaching an unprecedented 2.57 million, the demand for effective management systems has become more urgent. To address this, Liquid Co., Ltd., part of the ELEMENTS group based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is set to launch a new version of its foreign labor management system, GPASS, which will incorporate features to manage the newly introduced Special Residence Card and Second Generation Residence Card starting in June 2026.

What is GPASS?

GPASS, or Global Personnel Acquisition Support System, is an innovative management platform that employs advanced technologies like IC chip reading and facial recognition to prevent forgery and illegal employment practices among foreign workers. This system aims to streamline the residency qualification confirmation processes for businesses employing foreign labor.

The upcoming updates will allow GPASS to read the new residency cards, thereby enhancing operational efficiency for employers. The Special Residence Card merges residence and My Number cards for streamlined identification, while the Second Generation Residence Card will cater to those who prefer not to have their My Number included.

More information on GPASS can be found at Liquid's official website.

The Context of Rising Foreign Employment

Japan has seen increasing numbers of foreign workers, which has unfortunately coincided with a rise in illegal employment issues. Recent reports from the Tokyo Police reveal there were about 74,000 people illegally residing in Japan by January 2025, many of whom were likely engaged in unlawful work. In response to these challenges, the Japanese government is implementing stricter laws aimed at curtailing illegal employment, including the upcoming introduction of the Special Residence Card in 2026.

Furthermore, reforms to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act are scheduled to strengthen penalties regarding facilitation of illegal employment, signified by the collaboration between the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Justice, and other governmental bodies to combat illegal work practices.

The revised regulations are being integrated into a new comprehensive countermeasure package targeting illegal foreign employment, marking a significant focus on creating an orderly society for foreign labor.

Features of GPASS

GPASS allows foreign individuals to manage their information seamlessly through a digital ID wallet on their smartphones. This empowers them to present their residency status, employment history, qualifications, and other pertinent information without creating barriers to their participation in societal activities. Currently, over 60,000 users have registered since its general launch in August 2024.

Among the essential functionalities provided by GPASS are:

• - Verification for New Hires: Instant verification of residency cards without data entry required, detecting forgeries through IC validation and identity checks.
• - Ongoing Expiration Alerts: Continuous monitoring of residency status from official immigration sources to rapidly identify any lapses.
• - Residency Qualification Management: Notifications prior to expiration, including checks for special circumstantial extensions.
• - Renewal Confirmation: Streamlined processes ensuring employees can confirm renewals with minimal effort, still maintaining high security against potential forgeries.
• - Multilingual Support: Availability in 14 languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse users.

About Liquid Co., Ltd.

Founded in December 2018 and led by CEO Taiki Hasegawa, Liquid is dedicated to leveraging biometric authentication for seamless service access. With a mission to enable a more equitable society for all, Liquid develops solutions that cross industries, integrating verification processes across sectors, while focusing on user convenience and security. Their official website is Liquid Inc..

Conclusion

As Japan prepares for an evolving landscape of foreign employment, GPASS stands out as a crucial tool not only for compliance but also for fostering a society where foreign workers can contribute meaningfully while ensuring their status is accurately managed. By embracing these advancements, Liquid aims to support businesses in navigating the complexities of foreign labor management effectively.