Tokyo: The administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is moving swiftly to tighten regulations on foreign residents in the country, aiming to address concerns regarding the increasing number of foreigners.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Japanese government recently announced plans to significantly raise fees for residence status applications and introduced stricter conditions for obtaining permanent residence. The Immigration Services Agency plans to revise guidelines under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law, requiring applicants to have an annual income above Japan's average and projected pension benefits equivalent to 30 years of participation in the "kosei nenkin" public pension program.
These revisions, set to be implemented in stages starting in October, also demand that applicants make tangible contributions to Japan. Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi emphasized the importance of ensuring that granting permanent residence does not burden the public, citing concerns about some foreign residents failing to pay taxes and social insurance premiums.
Some experts have raised concerns about the new guidelines. Shoichi Ibusuki, a lawyer experienced in foreign resident issues, argued that imposing such strict requirements under guidelines could infringe on parliamentary authority.
In addition to permanent residency, the Takaichi administration has extended the necessary residence term for obtaining Japanese nationality from five to ten years. The fees for permanent residence applications will rise 20-fold to 200,000 yen in October. An advisory panel is also considering controlling the ratio of foreign residents to Japan's total population.
As of the end of 2025, Japan recorded a record high of 4,125,395 foreign residents. Some officials express concerns that a rapid increase could lead to social anxiety and xenophobic sentiment. However, the increase in foreign residents is partly due to a declining working-age population, with Japan competing with countries like South Korea to attract foreign talent.
A lawmaker from the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan warned that Japan could become less attractive without measures to welcome foreigners, potentially leading to economic stagnation and unsustainable communities.
