Japan's parliament has approved a controversial law to fingerprint and photograph foreign visitors in an effort to fight terrorism.

The measures will apply to all foreigners over the age of 16, except permanent residents and those on official business.

Japan's justice minister acknowledged human rights concerns, but said fighting terrorism was more important.....

>>>Source<<<

....The upper house voted 131-94 in favor of the bill today. The lower house approved it in March.

If the bill is enacted, the legislation would go into effect by November next year.

All foreigners aged 16 or more would be photographed and electronically fingerprinted when they enter the country.

Permanent residents, including ethnic Koreans born in Japan, will be exempt from the law, along with guests of the state and diplomats.

The information would be stored in a database for criminal investigations.

The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan has called for a delay.

'This requires careful consideration so as to ensure privacy,' the party said in a statement.

'The international community has not necessarily reached a consensus, as the US is the only country which has introduced such a measure,' it said.

>>>Source<<<