Japan implementing stricter criteria for PR permits, Nepali migrant workers worried
According to a restaurant entrepreneur, thousands of Nepalis who have invested in or are employed by small-scale hotels and restaurants have already faced difficulties due to human trafficking, and the new regulations threaten to create a situation where thousands more are forced to return home.
TOKYO:- The Japanese government is preparing to further tighten the criteria for granting permanent residency to foreign nationals. Under the new regulations, applicants will be required to provide proof of income exceeding the average income of a Japanese household and demonstrate eligibility based on projected pension benefits at a specified level.
The government plans to amend the relevant guidelines starting October 1 and implement the new rules for applications filed from April of next year.
Currently, there is a requirement to fulfill three key conditions to obtain permanent residence permission: good conduct, sufficient income or assets to support oneself, and alignment with Japan’s interests.
Under the new rules, an applicant’s annual income must exceed the average income of a Japanese household. Additionally, the income must be sufficient to qualify for an estimated pension benefit equivalent to that of someone who has participated in the employees’ pension scheme for at least 30 years.
If the projected pension falls below the required level, a provision will also allow applicants to make up the shortfall by demonstrating their savings or other assets. Furthermore, when evaluating whether granting permanent residency to an individual serves Japan’s interests, factors such as Japanese language proficiency and an understanding of Japanese laws and social norms will now also be taken into consideration.
According to government statistics, approximately 947,000 foreign nationals were residing in Japan with permanent residence permits by the end of last year.
According to the government, these new criteria aim to prioritize foreign nationals who can successfully integrate into Japanese society, are financially self-reliant, and are capable of making long-term contributions.
According to a restaurant entrepreneur, thousands of Nepalis who have invested in or are employed by small-scale hotels and restaurants have already faced difficulties due to human trafficking, and the new regulations threaten to create a situation where thousands more are forced to return home.
He states that although exact figures are unavailable, thousands of Nepalis have invested in sectors such as hotels, restaurants, money transfer services, and convenience stores in Japan; however, Nepali workers employed in businesses linked to these sectors will find it difficult to meet the new criteria.
