Japan's Immigration Services Agency has announced significant changes to visa policies, with a focus on fourth-generation ethnic Japanese immigrants. The agency plans to grant long-term resident status to these individuals who meet specific criteria, including proficiency in the Japanese language. This adjustment will permit descendants of Japanese emigrants to stay in Japan permanently and bring their families along after renewing their status every five years.
The main goal of this policy change is to foster cultural exchanges between Japan and regions with substantial ethnic Japanese populations, such as South America. The agency anticipates finalizing the revised requirements for the "designated activities" visa, which pertains to the status of fourth-generation ethnic Japanese residents, by the end of the year.
Under the new policy, fourth-generation Japanese immigrants holding a designated activities visa will qualify for long-term resident status if they satisfy certain conditions. These conditions include residing in Japan for a minimum of five years and demonstrating proficiency in Japanese at the N2 level, the second-highest proficiency level according to the agency's standards. Those granted long-term resident status will enjoy the freedom to seek employment without restrictions and the ability to reunite with their families after five years.
Currently, individuals with designated activities visas are required to return to their home countries after living in Japan for five years. This change comes in response to the demands of residents of Japanese descent who have advocated for an extension of their stay in Japan.
The designated activities visa is typically issued to those engaged in activities aimed at studying Japanese culture, such as language learning and participating in tea ceremonies. However, it does not permit holders to live with their families during their stay.
The agency will also raise the age limit for this special status, increasing it from the current 30 years old to 35 years old. Additionally, the conditions for "supporters" who assist in pre-entry procedures and report on the lives of fourth-generation ethnic Japanese immigrants will be relaxed. Instead of five years of support, only three years will be required, responding to supporters' requests to ease their responsibilities.
In 2018, the designated activities visa was introduced for fourth-generation individuals of Japanese descent, with the expectation that they would bridge the gap between Japan and South America. However, despite Japan's decision to accept around 4,000 people under this status annually, only 128 individuals held this visa by the end of 2022. The limited issuance of the visa and pressure from groups of Japanese descent have prompted the government to revise the requirements for this special status, according to the agency.
Pros:
The policy encourages cultural exchanges between Japan and regions with significant ethnic Japanese populations, fostering stronger ties.
Fourth-generation ethnic Japanese immigrants will have the opportunity to reunite with their families in Japan after five years, enhancing family connections.
Proficiency in the Japanese language at the N2 level promotes effective communication and integration within Japanese society.
The policy addresses the demands of Japanese descent residents who sought a longer stay in Japan, ensuring they can remain in the country.
Cons:
Despite offering long-term residency, the designated activities visa has seen limited uptake, raising questions about its effectiveness.
Meeting the proficiency level and other criteria may be challenging for some applicants, potentially excluding individuals who genuinely want to connect with their Japanese heritage.
While raising the age limit to 35 may benefit some applicants, it may still exclude those who are older and interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.
The main goal of this policy change is to foster cultural exchanges between Japan and regions with substantial ethnic Japanese populations, such as South America. The agency anticipates finalizing the revised requirements for the "designated activities" visa, which pertains to the status of fourth-generation ethnic Japanese residents, by the end of the year.
Under the new policy, fourth-generation Japanese immigrants holding a designated activities visa will qualify for long-term resident status if they satisfy certain conditions. These conditions include residing in Japan for a minimum of five years and demonstrating proficiency in Japanese at the N2 level, the second-highest proficiency level according to the agency's standards. Those granted long-term resident status will enjoy the freedom to seek employment without restrictions and the ability to reunite with their families after five years.
Currently, individuals with designated activities visas are required to return to their home countries after living in Japan for five years. This change comes in response to the demands of residents of Japanese descent who have advocated for an extension of their stay in Japan.
The designated activities visa is typically issued to those engaged in activities aimed at studying Japanese culture, such as language learning and participating in tea ceremonies. However, it does not permit holders to live with their families during their stay.
The agency will also raise the age limit for this special status, increasing it from the current 30 years old to 35 years old. Additionally, the conditions for "supporters" who assist in pre-entry procedures and report on the lives of fourth-generation ethnic Japanese immigrants will be relaxed. Instead of five years of support, only three years will be required, responding to supporters' requests to ease their responsibilities.
In 2018, the designated activities visa was introduced for fourth-generation individuals of Japanese descent, with the expectation that they would bridge the gap between Japan and South America. However, despite Japan's decision to accept around 4,000 people under this status annually, only 128 individuals held this visa by the end of 2022. The limited issuance of the visa and pressure from groups of Japanese descent have prompted the government to revise the requirements for this special status, according to the agency.
Pros:
The policy encourages cultural exchanges between Japan and regions with significant ethnic Japanese populations, fostering stronger ties.
Fourth-generation ethnic Japanese immigrants will have the opportunity to reunite with their families in Japan after five years, enhancing family connections.
Proficiency in the Japanese language at the N2 level promotes effective communication and integration within Japanese society.
The policy addresses the demands of Japanese descent residents who sought a longer stay in Japan, ensuring they can remain in the country.
Cons:
Despite offering long-term residency, the designated activities visa has seen limited uptake, raising questions about its effectiveness.
Meeting the proficiency level and other criteria may be challenging for some applicants, potentially excluding individuals who genuinely want to connect with their Japanese heritage.
While raising the age limit to 35 may benefit some applicants, it may still exclude those who are older and interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.
But I get why Japan wants that level of proficiency—Japan takes cultural preservation seriously. Maybe they could offer more language support for those interested though?
