[Wang Jun, special correspondent of the Global Times in Japan] "The Japanese government has pushed new visa regulations, and the life of foreigners is getting more and more difficult." Yahoo Finance reported on the 21st that the news that sanae takaichi was elected as Japanese Prime Minister caused concern, and its related policies "may profoundly affect business people and tourists in Japan".
The Japanese government announced a major revision of the business management visa licensing standards shortly before the prime minister was elected, and was officially implemented on October 16. The main objectives of this policy revision are to raise the threshold, eliminate empty shell companies, ensure that foreigners do real business in Japan, and contribute to local employment.
Under the new rules, the capital requirement for applicants is significantly increased from the original 5 million yen (approximately 100 yen) to 30 million yen, in order to exclude short-term or speculative entrepreneurs who lack funding ability. At the same time, applicants must have more than 3 years of business management experience, or have a master's degree or more in business management, and no previous experience or academic qualification is required.
In terms of employment of enterprises, the new regulations also put forward stricter requirements. At least one applicant or full-time employee must have a Japanese level equivalent to N2 or above in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, which means that the situation of "being able to operate without speaking Japanese" will no longer exist in the future.
In addition to the core threshold, business operations must be confirmed by professionals in advance by the business plan, in principle no longer recognize the use of their home as an office, long-term without a legitimate reason will not be able to renew the visa.In addition, the status of tax and social insurance obligations will also be the focus of review.
In an interview with a Chinese professional who is engaged in immigration and legal affairs, the Global Times reporter learned that the Japanese Immigration and Residence Administration (hereinafter referred to as the "Entry and Residence Administration") website has updated the information needed for business management visas, including permanent employee certificates, Japanese language proof and insurance. he said, "For most applicants, Japanese language proficiency is a difficult condition."
According to statistics, the number of Japanese business management visa holders has increased from approximately 18,000 in 2015 to approximately 41,600 in 2024. The original intention of operating and managing visas is to promote Japan's economic development, but some people believe that the increase in the number of foreigners has led to the deterioration of public security in Japan and the abuse of the system, which has also become the direct reason for this tightening of policies. Yahoo Financial Report believes that after Takashi took office, he may further strengthen the management of foreigners. In particular, visa applications, work content and even equity contracts of high-tech practitioners and international student job seekers will face stricter review.
The data showed that the number of foreigners in Japan this year reached 3,77 million, accounting for 3% of the total population. The number of visitors to Japan has also increased significantly in recent years. Some Japanese netizens said that foreign residents who observe the law should be distinguished from the minority of individuals who engage in illegal or irregular acts, "the key to solving the problem is to improve the legal system, block the gaps, not to see all foreigners as the source of the problem."