News Japan weighs language test for permanent residency applicants

Yesterday, it was reported that the government is examining whether proficiency in Japanese should become part of the criteria for granting permanent residency, with an expected increase in applications in mind. The proposal is likely to be reflected in a new set of requirements being drawn up by a Liberal Democratic Party panel, ahead of changes to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act scheduled to take effect in April 2027. Permanent resident status could also be withdrawn in cases where an individual is found to have deliberately failed to meet basic public responsibilities, including tax obligations.

According to the Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign residents in Japan stood at a record 3.96 million as of the end of June, with permanent residents comprising the largest group at around 930,000, or 23.6 percent, of the total. Currently, a foreigner applying for permanent residency must have resided in Japan for at least 10 years and provide evidence of having the means to support themselves, among other requirements. Given an expected increase in permanent residents in the future, additional requirements such as Japanese language proficiency and mandatory participation in programs that teach community rules, as well as raising the required minimum income have been discussed.

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Authorities are also considering tightening controls on part-time employment for international students, amid concerns that some are exceeding the hours they are allowed to work. At present, students who have received approval from immigration officials may take jobs outside their designated status for up to 28 hours per week. Permission to work would no longer be issued automatically on arrival, but would instead depend on an individual review that takes academic performance and other circumstances into account.

All this focus on 3% of the population!

They could soon reach - gasp! - 10% of the population! Some say in 2070; others say as soon as 2040! Ten percent is the current average for OECD countries.

thomas said:

They could soon reach - gasp! - 10% of the population! Some say in 2070; others say as soon as 2040! Ten percent is the current average for OECD countries.

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I reckon that Japan's best bet for long-term viability is to encourage permanent settlement by younger people from countries with relatively similar cultures, who are attracted by Japan's stability, good social infrastructure and relatively good human rights. Instead, we have a minister who clearly has an antipathy towards foreigners because of her own troubled family history and who is making it increasingly difficult for the people most able to stop Japan's depopulation. We do not have people acting in Japan's interest in government at the moment.

Lothor said:

We do not have people acting in Japan's interest in government at the moment.

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The aim is clearly to win back ultraconservative voters and all those leaning towards Sanseito.

thomas said:

The aim is clearly to win back ultraconservative voters and all those leaning towards Sanseito.

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At what cost to the country, though? I don't even think it's a particularly effective strategy, as most voters have limited interest in specific government policies. I also haven't seen measures towards foreigners being widely reported on TV, and I doubt there's much interest in actual policy on social media.

As a radical idea, perhaps they could gain votes by governing effectively.