Japan Immigration News

Immigration Systems in Labor-Needy Japan and South Korea Have Evolved—but Remain Restrictive

Release Date: 2025-01-28
Media: Migration Policy Institute
Summary: Japan and South Korea, despite facing severe labor shortages and demographic crises, maintain restrictive immigration policies with low immigration rates compared to other liberal democracies. Over recent decades, both countries have gradually increased their foreign populations, but immigrants still make up less than 4% of Japan's population and just under 5% of South Korea's. Their immigration systems are multi-tiered, with different visa categories offering varied rights based on perceived economic utility, such as for skilled workers, co-ethnic immigrants, international students, and foreign-born spouses.

Both countries' immigration policies have evolved in response to economic demands but remain highly selective, focusing on temporary workers, co-ethnic immigrants, and those on family or student visas. They have implemented systems like Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and South Korea’s Employment Permit System (EPS) to address labor shortages, though these programs have faced criticism for exploitation and human rights violations. Despite incremental reforms, both nations continue to prioritize certain migrant groups over others, with limited pathways to permanent settlement or citizenship.

In addition, both Japan and South Korea have begun to attract more international students and skilled professionals, but their programs for these groups often remain underutilized due to the competitive nature of the global labor market. Marriage migration, particularly from countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, has also grown, driven by demographic challenges.

While the countries have made some concessions to meet labor needs, their immigration systems remain complex and restrictive, with little sign of dramatic reform in the near future. This "half-open" approach is likely to persist as both nations struggle to balance their labor demands with political and social resistance to large-scale immigration.
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