Tokyo: Japan's Immigration Services Agency on Friday unveiled its second basic plan for immigration control and residency management, with a focus on promoting smoother adaptation of foreign residents to local communities. Seven years have passed since the first version was released in April 2019, during which the government took time to understand emerging challenges faced by foreign residents, including those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the influx of refugees from Ukraine, officials said.

According to Philippines News Agency, the government aims to revise the basic plan approximately every five years. The newly introduced plan includes trial learning programs to educate foreign residents about Japanese rules, language, and administrative systems, along with stricter measures to combat illegal stays. A significant development under the plan is the establishment of the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA, which will serve as an advance screening system for foreigners planning to enter Japan.

Additionally, the plan outlines measures to expedite the country's refugee recognition procedures. It emphasizes the importance of preventing discrimination based on assumptions and prejudices, while also aiming to understand the attitudes and awareness of both Japanese and foreign individuals.