Japan will be able to strip permanent residency over deliberately unpaid taxes from April 2027
Deliberately unpaid taxes, insurance or pension, residence card breaches and some crimes become grounds to lose PR, but the default is a downgrade.
Beginning April 2027, foreigners residing permanently in Japan could lose their status if they deliberately fail to pay taxes, health insurance, or pension contributions. This new rule was outlined in updated guidelines published by the Immigration Services Agency in October, following a 2024 amendment to immigration law. Meanwhile, the UK is also revising its settlement rules for long-term migrants, with Ghanaians seeking citizenship needing to meet an ongoing "intention to live" requirement.
The term "deliberately" refers to being aware of a tax bill and choosing not to pay it, taking into account factors like income, the size of the debt, and responses to reminders. The agency expects to act on substantial arrears after moving without informing local authorities, ignoring demands, repeatedly breaking installment plans, being convicted of tax evasion, or hiding assets.
However, temporary setbacks like illness, disasters, or job loss do not qualify as deliberate non-payment. Neither do agreed installment plans or an employer deducting the money from wages but not paying it over to the authorities. The guidelines clarify that fees and fines, including traffic fines, are not considered public dues, and a single missed renewal of a card will not automatically result in revocation.
Revocation is not automatic. If a person is deemed unfit to remain in Japan, for instance, if they consistently refuse to pay, they will be downgraded to a "long-term resident" status. They can reapply for permanent residency once they meet the criteria again. They have the opportunity to present their case before and after any decision is made.
Deliberate non-payment before April 2027 can still be taken into account if discovered later, although payments made from then onwards will also be considered. The agency's summary confirms the April 1 start date for this policy. Ghanaians with permanent residency in Japan should ensure their tax, health insurance, and pension records are in order, agree to a payment plan if they are behind, and keep their residence card valid.
Ghanaians in the United States are also facing similar changes, including recent visa revocations related to birth tourism.
Written by urgent.news from 3News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
