Japan visa changes could lead to residency for workers from Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam. But will they be welcome?
- Japan’s immigration bureau is proposing visa changes to allow more foreign workers, who would be able to stay for longer and even apply for residency
- Yet observers caution that the government should carefully weigh the impact of a significant influx of foreigners on Japanese society
Immigration bureau officials met a panel of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday – following discussions with industry and various arms of the government – to recommend a series of changes to visa rules that would allow more foreign nationals to enter Japan, stay longer and even permit some to eventually become eligible for permanent residency.
Under the terms of the “specified skilled worker” visa introduced in 2019, skilled foreign workers can find jobs in 12 sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing, for up to five years. Those with a background in shipbuilding, the construction sector and nursing care are eligible for visas that can be extended for longer terms.
02:27
Young Indonesians train to become carers for Japan’s ageing society
The bureau is proposing the abolition of the five-year maximum limit, permitting workers to renew their visas repeatedly and, ultimately, apply for permanent residency.
That recommendation comes after the Japan International Cooperation Agency released a study in March 2022 indicating that if the government wants to meet its economic growth target for 2040, then the number of foreign workers would need to quadruple to 6.74 million.
If the LDP supports the proposal, which is being vigorously promoted by Japan’s business community, it could be approved by the cabinet as early as June and go into effect next year.