Japan’s government announced that it will raise the eligibility standards for foreigners seeking permanent residency, a policy shift that aligns with a broader rightward turn in the nation’s politics.
Tokyo officials said the new measures will make it more difficult for non‑citizens to obtain long‑term status, effectively “raising the bar” for applicants.
The change reflects a growing conservative influence within Japan’s ruling circles, which has been steering the country toward tighter immigration controls.
Analysts note that the tightened rules introduce uncertainty for existing foreign residents and those planning to settle permanently, as the path to residency becomes more demanding.
Japan, which faces a rapidly aging population and a shrinking workforce, has historically maintained strict immigration policies; the latest move adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate over how to balance demographic challenges with a more restrictive approach to foreign settlement.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
