Japan tightens rules for foreigners wanting permanent residency

Japan has tightened the rules for foreigners seeking permanent residency, as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's efforts to tighten immigration controls, to address concerns over a rapidly aging population and labor shortages.

Foreign residents will now need to demonstrate an annual income above the average and prove they can hold basic conversations in Japanese. Application fees will also increase 20-fold from Thursday, causing long lines at immigration offices across the country.

American university student Yujie Chono, who was among those waiting in line for five hours, expressed concern about Japan's declining birth rate and aging population, emphasizing the need for foreign workers to sustain the economy.

Despite the country's labor shortages and the need for foreign workers, opposition to immigration is growing. Takaichi acknowledged the anxiety and sense of unfairness among some citizens, but she remains committed to promoting "orderly coexistence" with foreign nationals.

While programs to attract international workers have raised concerns on social media, experts and business leaders warn that Japan must accept more foreigners to maintain its economic stability. The Nikkei business daily recently argued that Japan should go beyond viewing foreigners as temporary laborers and focus on their long-term settlement by improving Japanese-language education and treatment.