The Japanese government has announced plans to tighten the conditions for granting permanent residency to foreigners, as the country adjusts its immigration and labor policies to adapt to new socio-economic circumstances.
According to Kyodo News, the new regulations will require applicants to meet more stringent standards regarding length of residence, employment status, stable income, as well as compliance with the law and tax and social insurance obligations.
The move is aimed at curbing instances of foreigners exploiting permanent residency to evade obligations, while ensuring that those granted this status make positive contributions to Japanese society.
Experts note that the stricter conditions will make the screening process more thorough and pose greater challenges for foreign workers living and working in Japan long-term. The Japanese government expects to finalize and issue detailed regulations in the near future.