🚨Japan Tightens Immigration Rules, Affecting 4.12M Foreigners

New rules could make Japan less attractive to foreign workers

Japan is tightening its immigration rules, requiring applicants for permanent residency to show an annual household income above the national average and demonstrate Japanese-language proficiency. These changes will be applied retroactively to applications submitted since April. The government emphasizes the need for foreigners to live independently and avoid becoming a burden. With Japan's foreign-born population at a record 4.12 million, the new rules reflect a shift towards a more selective and conditional immigration policy. Public opinion has shifted against immigrants, with 56.3% of Japanese people opposing accepting more foreigners in a recent survey. The changes could reduce Japan's attractiveness to foreign workers and impact the 4.12 million foreign-born residents.