Japan’s immigration agency has launched a new project team to study how the country should handle a long-term rise in foreign residents.
Currently, foreigners make up less than 3 percent of Japan’s population. But that share could climb above 10 percent in the coming decades, a level seen in many other advanced economies. Officials are weighing whether Japan should set caps on immigration to avoid strains on society.
The 30-member team, led by the deputy director of the Immigration Services Agency, will coordinate with other ministries. Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki said Friday that in many countries, rapid increases in immigration have fueled political conflict and social division. Japan, he argued, must plan ahead.
A report released the same day noted that, while the foreign-born share is projected to top 10 percent by around 2070, the shift could come sooner if Japan’s birthrate continues to fall. The report urged the government to move beyond piecemeal fixes and take a more comprehensive approach now.
The review will cover seven areas: economic growth, industrial policy, labor, taxes and social security, local communities, public safety, and immigration control. Officials will also study whether to expand caps that currently apply only to certain visa categories, such as “specified skilled worker,” to other types of residency.
by MagazineKey4532