A local government in central Japan announced on March 25 that it will continue to allow foreigners to take civil service recruitment exams, with applications opening from mid-July. This decision effectively means the plan to reinstate the Japanese nationality requirement will not be implemented this summer.
According to Kyodo News, Aichi Prefecture — which had stirred controversy with a proposal to mandate applicants hold Japanese citizenship — has formally rejected that move. Instead, the prefectural government said it will maintain its current policy, which permits foreigners with legal resident status in Japan to apply for prefectural civil service positions.
The earlier proposal to restore the nationality requirement drew criticism from various civil society groups and labor experts, who argued it clashes with globalization trends and limits job opportunities for foreign workers who have settled in the region.
Aichi's decision comes as Japan faces a severe labor shortage, particularly in rural areas. Allowing foreigners into the public sector is often seen as a step toward diversifying the workforce. It remains unclear whether Aichi Prefecture will revisit the issue in the future.
