Thousands of Filipino migrants may be affected by Japan’s new child custody law allowing joint parental authority after divorce, set to take effect in April 2026, according to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
The reform allows divorced parents to share custody, with family courts deciding arrangements when parents fail to reach an agreement, marking Japan’s shift from its post-war sole-custody system.
The policy was presented March 26 during a high-level meeting between CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II and a Japanese delegation led by Kyoto University Professor Wako Asato and representatives from the Japan Federation of Bar Associations. Vito Barcelo
Despite expanded custody options, Japanese lawyer Keiko Kato warned that Filipino migrants may face difficulties navigating the legal system due to language barriers.
Japan hosts more than 300,000 Filipinos, many in cross-border marriages, while stricter immigration rules, including tighter compliance requirements and possible language proficiency standards, may also affect visa renewals.
