Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Immigration Services Agency will hire 226 more employees to bolster its operations amid an increase in foreign residents in the country, Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said Tuesday. Through the addition of 176 immigration inspectors and 50 immigration control officers, the agency aims to strengthen a crackdown against illegal residents and speed up residence screening procedures. The agency will conduct recruitment activities within the current fiscal year ending in March. Hiraguchi told a press conference that the agency is looking for a wide range of talent, including those with experience in the public and private sectors. "We strongly encourage those with an interest in and passion for administrative services for foreign nationals to apply," Hiraguchi said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]