Japan Raises Residency Fees 2,000 Percent Amid ‘Anxiety’ Over Foreigners

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Japan Increases Permanent Residency Fees by 2,000 Percent

   Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has implemented a 2,000 percent increase in permanent residency fees for foreign nationals. The fee hike took effect on Thursday, causing significant queues at immigration offices as applicants rushed to file before the deadline. This price increase accompanies a broader overhaul of immigration rules and tougher guidelines for granting permanent residency. While the government frames these changes as necessary, critics argue the measures could hinder Japan's efforts to solve critical labor shortages and may reflect growing anxiety regarding foreign residents.

   Why it matters

   The policy changes align with election promises made by Takaichi to tighten immigration controls. This shift occurs as Japan balances a need for foreign labor with conservative domestic pressures. The move has sparked concerns over rising xenophobia within the country.

   What is confirmed

   • Permanent residency fees for foreign nationals increased by 2,000 percent on Thursday.
   • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is leading the effort to tighten immigration rules for foreigners seeking permanent residency.
   • Immigration offices experienced large queues prior to the fee hike.
   • The Japanese government has officially overhauled permanent residency guidelines.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Residency fees increased from 55 euros to approximately 1,100 euros.
   • Residency fees for migrants increased by 3,000 percent.

   What to watch next

   • Data on the number of permanent residency applications following the fee hike.
   • Official government responses to critics regarding labor shortage impacts.
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. The Japan Times — Japan officially overhauls permanent residency rules
   2. Bloomberg.com — Japan’s Takaichi Touts Sweeping Changes in Immigration Rules
   3. Japan Today — Japan to hike residency visa issuance fees from Thursday
   4. BBC — Japan raises permanent residency fees for foreign nationals by twenty-fold
   5. The New York Times — Japan Raises Residency Fees 2,000 Percent Amid ‘Anxiety’ Over Foreigners
   6. Japan Wire by Kyodo News — Japan toughens guidelines for granting permanent residency
   7. Euronews.com — Takaichi tightens rules for foreigners seeking permanent residency
   8. sg.news.yahoo.com — Japan immigration offices swamped by huge queues ahead of 20-fold visa fee hike
   9. The Telegraph — Japan raises residency fees for migrants by 3,000pc
   10. 毎日新聞 — Japan's harsher permanent residency rules, hiked visa fees begin, sparking xenophobia worries
   11. Tokyo Paladin with Jake Adelstein — The Unwelcome (Tatami) Mat
   12. The Japan Times — Missed the JLPT? Here’s what you can do next
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