https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/takaichi-tightens-rules-for-foreigners-seeking-permanent-residencyContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/takaichi-tightens-rules-for-foreigners-seeking-permanent-residencyhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/takaichi-tightens-rules-for-foreigners-seeking-permanent-residency#u99206Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:30:31 +0000Japan implemented stricter permanent residency rules and raised visa issuance fees on Thursday under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Foreign nationals applying for permanent residency now face higher income requirements, needing to earn more than the average Japanese person, alongside Japanese language skill mandates. Additionally, permanent residency fees surged by twentyfold or two thousand percent to 200,000 yen. The changes sparked huge queues at immigration offices ahead of the rollout and fueled concerns over xenophobia.Why it mattersThe policy shifts fulfill election pledges spearheaded