Fourth-generation ethnic Japanese immigrants will be eligible to benefit from long-term resident status in Japan, provided they meet the needed conditions.
The decision has been confirmed by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, and includes individuals from countries such as Peru and Brazil, VisaGuide.World reports.
In order for the new changes to become effective, the system for residency status will be changed to permit these persons to stay in Japan for an extended period of time, possibly indefinitely.
To qualify, they are required to have lived in Japan for at least five years and also demonstrate a specific level of proficiency in the Japanese language.
The revision aims to bring a larger number of persons to Japan amid labor shortages caused by a declining population. The revision is set to take effect on Thursday.
We’ll ease the requirements so that more people can come to Japan.
The system for fourth-generation descendants was introduced in 2018 in order to enable these persons to work and study Japanese language and culture simultaneously.
The program aims to grant the designated activities visa permitting them to work if they are between the ages of 18 and 30 when they enter Japan and if they are supported by relatives.
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency anticipated 4,000 people would use the program each year, however, by the end of last year, just 128 people were actually using it, thus leading to requests for a revamp of the system.
Under the updated system, fourth-generation residents are eligible to change their residency status to long-term resident after living in Japan for a period of five years, provided they have at least an N2 certificate or equivalent language skills in the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
In addition, they will also be permitted to bring family members from their home countries.
According to a report from the Japan Times, the agency also stressed that it would raise the age limit for the program from 35 at the time of entry. Besides, it has been clarified that support for those who have lived in Japan for more than three years would not be required.
The designated activities visa of Japan is available for persons aged 18 or older who have savings of more than 30 million Japanese yen, owned jointly with their spouse, as specified by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.