JAPAN / FINDING COMMON GROUND

With fast-track permanent residency rule, Japan looks to shed its closed image

Peng Jenhui, who is from Taiwan, works as a business development manager at a Tokyo employment agency. He says Japan needs to foster an environment where foreign workers can live more easily without Japanese-language skills. | YOSHIAKI MIURA

By Kazuaki Nagata
Staff Writer

Jan 4, 2018

With the goal of attracting more skilled foreign workers, Japan moved to relax requirements for permanent residency for such individuals last April.

Before the change, skilled non-Japanese workers had to stay in Japan for at least five years before applying for permanent residency, but now only one year is required.

With the new fast-track rule, Japan is trying to shed its closed image, lure more skilled people, and retain those already working or studying here who can contribute to growing the economy.

With fast-track permanent residency rule, Japan looks to shed its closed image

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