Japan is considering introducing a Japanese language proficiency requirement for foreign nationals applying for permanent residency, as part of broader immigration reforms aimed at managing a growing foreign population. Sources told The Japan Times that the proposal is expected to be included in revised residency criteria by April 2027, when amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act are scheduled to come into force.
The move comes as Japan prepares for a sharp rise in permanent residency applications. According to the Immigration Services Agency, the country’s foreign resident population reached a record 3.96 million by the end of June. Permanent residents form the largest segment, numbering about 930,000, or 23.6% of all foreign residents.
Beyond language proficiency, the government is also weighing stricter measures to ensure compliance with public obligations. Under the revised framework, permanent residency could be revoked if individuals deliberately fail to meet essential responsibilities such as paying taxes or social insurance contributions.
At present, applicants must typically reside in Japan for at least 10 years and demonstrate financial stability. With the anticipated increase in long-term residents, authorities are considering additional criteria, including participation in community integration programmes and possibly raising the minimum income threshold for eligibility.
The reforms could also affect international students. The government is reviewing current rules that allow foreign students to work up to 28 hours per week with immigration approval. Officials are discussing a shift toward a system that assesses factors such as academic performance before granting work permission, rather than allowing part-time employment automatically upon arrival.
Separately, concerns have been raised over misuse of work visas, particularly cases where holders of engineer or humanities specialist visas are employed in unskilled labour, which violates visa conditions. To address this, the government is considering tighter monitoring of staffing agencies and employers to ensure stricter compliance with residency and employment regulations.
If implemented, the proposed changes would mark one of the most significant shifts in Japan’s immigration policy in recent years, reflecting a stronger emphasis on integration, accountability, and proper use of visa categories.
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