The Japanese government on July 25 unveiled plans to tighten the conditions for granting permanent residency to foreigners, aiming to further strengthen immigration control as the number of long-term foreign residents in the country continues to grow.
According to sources, the new regulations will require applicants to meet higher standards regarding income, tax contributions, and legal compliance. Even minor infractions could lead to application rejections, rather than only considering serious criminal acts as before.
The move comes after Japan saw a wave of foreign worker immigration in recent years, adding pressure on the social welfare system and public order. The government stated that stricter rules will help ensure that those granted permanent residency are well-integrated and actively contribute to society.
Specific details of the new conditions are expected to be published in relevant legal documents and are slated to take effect in the near future. Experts believe this could make the permanent residency application process more difficult and time-consuming for foreigners.
