Tokyo, Japan – For foreign nationals residing in Japan, obtaining permanent residency (PR) has long been regarded as a vital assurance of stability in a country that has historically been cautious about immigration on a large scale.
However, recent proposals by Tokyo to revoke permanent residency status for individuals failing to meet tax and social insurance obligations have sparked unease among some long-term foreign residents, casting doubt on the perceived security associated with permanent residency.
Ben Shearon, a British expatriate residing in Japan for nearly 24 years, is among those questioning the rationale behind the proposed amendments to immigration law.
As a permanent resident, Shearon, who retired in 2022, now dedicates his time to providing coaching and financial advice through his website, RetireJapan. While he personally remains unconcerned about his own residency status, having diligently met all tax and insurance obligations, he voices apprehension over the portrayal of foreign residents as contributors who fail to pay their dues.
The existing process for obtaining permanent residency mandates a minimum residency of 10 years in Japan, with at least five years under a valid work visa. However, since 2017, a points-based assessment system has allowed foreign residents to expedite the process, requiring high scores in various criteria such as work experience, salary, education, age, and Japanese language proficiency.
Currently, revocation of permanent residency is rare and limited to specific circumstances, including imprisonment exceeding one year. However, under the proposed changes, authorities would have the discretion to cancel residency for non-payment of taxes and sentences of less than one year.
Critics, including Shearon, argue that the proposals unfairly target non-Japanese citizens and advocate for a more equitable approach to addressing tax evasion and social insurance non-compliance.
The issue has ignited debate among foreign residents, with some expressing concerns over potential xenophobia fueled by the government’s actions, while others assert that individuals adhering to tax obligations have nothing to fear.
Austin Smith, public policy manager at GR Japan, a politically neutral government relations firm, acknowledges that while the proposed amendments may increase the likelihood of permanent residency revocation, they are unlikely to significantly impact most foreign residents. However, there are concerns about potential repercussions for individuals facing financial hardship or lacking the means to pay taxes due to circumstances beyond their control.
These proposed changes come amidst Japan’s efforts to attract more immigrants to address population decline. Initiatives include simplified visa pathways for startup owners and business managers, the introduction of a digital nomad visa, and an overhaul of the foreign trainee program to facilitate transition to skilled work visas and eventual permanent residency.
While policymakers aim to align permanent residency rules with guidelines for obtaining PR status, Smith emphasizes the need for Japan to make immigration more accessible to address the challenges posed by an aging population and ensure a robust labor market.
As Japan navigates demographic shifts and economic challenges, the balance between immigration policy and the rights of foreign residents remains a topic of ongoing debate, with implications for the country’s future trajectory.
