At Haneda Airport, a foreign national was being escorted toward an aircraft in handcuffs. His face reflected helplessness, his eyes perhaps still carrying questions, and deep inside, maybe the final hope that a miracle might happen at the last moment. He had ignored Japanese government orders to leave the country four times. His argument was simple: he wanted to stay with his Japanese wife. But once again, the Japanese state made one thing absolutely clear – law stands above emotion.

This incident is not merely the story of one individual. It represents Japan’s firm state policy, sending a powerful message to the world that there will be no leniency when it comes to illegal immigration.

Last year, Japan forcibly deported a record 318 undocumented foreign residents. This number is nearly three times higher than it was just two years ago. Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has already announced its target to increase forced deportations to 500 annually by 2027. The objective is straightforward: to eliminate illegal residence in Japan.

Some critics describe this policy as harsh. But the reality is that every sovereign state has the unquestionable right to protect its borders, enforce its laws, and preserve its social order. Japan is simply doing what every responsible nation should do.

Japan remains one of the few countries in the world where law is not merely written in books but lives in everyday life. If a train arrives one minute late, an apology is issued. People stand in orderly lines not because they are forced to, but because they believe discipline is part of civilization. Breaking the law is not seen merely as an offense against the state but as an attack on collective trust.

In such a society, if someone lives illegally for years, repeatedly ignores deportation orders, and still faces no serious consequences, it would be an injustice to the entire system.

A Japanese immigration officer once summarized the policy in a single sentence:

“Taking strict action against foreign nationals who do not comply with the law is a natural process.”

At first glance, this statement may sound severe, but in reality, it reflects the basic duty of the state. If the law only applies to the weak while the clever or powerful continue to ignore it, the state gradually loses its legitimacy.

Statistics further reveal the seriousness of the issue. Last year, the highest number of forced deportations involved 71 Turkish nationals, followed by 46 Filipino citizens. These were individuals who had already been given opportunities for voluntary return but still chose not to comply.

What makes Japan’s policy even more interesting is that the country itself is facing a severe labor shortage. Its population is aging rapidly, the number of young workers is declining, and industries are desperate for manpower. Despite this, Japan refuses to tolerate illegal residence. This proves that the issue is not the presence of foreigners – it is the presence of illegal foreigners.

Japan is not closing its doors. It is simply saying: if you want to enter, use the door, not the wall.

That is the foundation of every civilized state.

Countries like Pakistan and many other developing nations need to learn from this approach. We often speak passionately about the rights of our citizens abroad, which is absolutely valid. But we must also acknowledge that every country has the full right to enforce its own immigration laws. If a Pakistani, Turkish, Filipino, or citizen of any other nation lives illegally in Japan, emotional appeals alone cannot justify that act.

Immigration is not only about searching for a better future. It is also about responsibility, transparency, and respect for the law.

It is equally true that not every undocumented migrant is a criminal. Many people cross borders because of poverty, war, political instability, or family hardship. Their pain is real. Their struggles deserve empathy. But states are governed by principles, not emotions. If the law is not equal for everyone, justice becomes nothing more than a beautiful word.

Japan has shown the world exactly that lesson.

Today, much of the Western world is struggling with immigration crises, border disputes, and deep internal political divisions. From the United States to Europe, the same question keeps emerging: what is the first responsibility of a state? To protect its own citizens, or to offer unlimited leniency to those who enter illegally?

Japan has answered that question quietly, but with complete clarity.

Those who respect the law may stay.

That principle is justice. That principle is statehood. That principle is the future.

For Pakistanis living abroad, this is also a moment for reflection. We do not need sympathy from foreign countries – we need respect. And respect is never earned through shortcuts. It is earned through honesty, discipline, and compliance with the law.

A large number of Pakistanis living in Japan are respected precisely because of their hard work, integrity, and law-abiding conduct. That is the real national asset. We must teach our younger generation that success in developed countries does not come from simply arriving there. It comes from living with principles.

Japan continues to stand as a global example of order, discipline, and state dignity. Its immigration policy may appear strict, but it is not weak. And weak states never produce strong societies.

That plane departing from Haneda Airport did not simply carry one deported passenger back home. It carried a message for the entire world:

In Japan, the law is not just written. It is enforced.