Japan has recently made it harder for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency and has significantly raised the application fee. According to the new regulations, applicants must prove that their annual income is above average and that they are capable of everyday conversation in Japanese.
Increased Costs and Long Lines
As of Thursday, the application fee for permanent residency has increased from 10,000 yen (approximately 56 euros) to 200,000 yen (approximately 1,116 euros). This increase in cost has led to hundreds of people lining up at one of the immigration offices in central Tokyo to complete their application processes before this change takes effect.
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Applicants' Opinions and Social Challenges
Yuji Chuno, a 22-year-old student from the United States who speaks Japanese fluently, said while waiting in line: "I understand that an excessive acceptance of foreigners might dilute Japan's unique culture. However, given the low birth rate and aging population, Japan has no choice but to accept foreigners." He also mentioned that he waited five hours in line to submit his documents.
These changes in permanent residency conditions come at a time when opposition to immigration is increasing in Japan. Takaiichi, a government official, wrote in a post on social media platform X: "The government is facing the reality that some citizens feel concern and injustice." He is seeking to create a "regulated coexistence" with foreign nationals.
Experts and business leaders warn that for economic sustainability, Japan needs to attract more foreign labor. The Nikkei economic newspaper also emphasized in an editorial that Japan must move away from viewing foreigners solely as temporary labor and help them achieve long-term residency.
Despite these challenges, the new changes are not expected to lead to an immediate exodus of individuals from the country. These new regulations also require applicants to demonstrate that they understand social norms and that their anticipated retirement pension is equivalent to that of an individual who has paid 30 years of pension contributions.
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