Japan's Sanae Takaichi announces new tightened measures for foreigners seeking permanent residency

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Thursday more stringent rules for foreigners seeking permanent residency in Japan. The changes, set to roll out in phases, require applicants to demonstrate higher annual income and conversational skills in Japanese. Application fees will surge 20-fold, from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. Long queues formed outside an immigration office in central Tokyo as hopefuls aimed to finalize procedures before the hike.

Takaichi cited concerns about maintaining Japanese culture amid an aging population and labor shortages, but acknowledged the need for foreign workers. A US university student also in line explained his five-hour wait to file papers. While opposition to immigration grows, Takaichi emphasized the importance of orderly coexistence with foreigners.

The government's push for tighter regulations follows public anxiety, fueled by social media and misconceptions about welfare usage and safety. However, experts and business leaders stress Japan must welcome more foreign workers to bolster its economy. The new rules come after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party tightened visa rules for business managers last year, forcing some entrepreneurs to leave the country if they fail to meet new conditions.