Japan Immigration News

Opinion: Law to revoke visa status over tax arrears irks Japan permanent residents

Release Date: 2024-11-24
Media: The Mainichi
Summary: Recent changes to Japan’s immigration laws have introduced a controversial measure allowing the revocation of permanent residency for foreigners who fail to pay taxes or social insurance premiums. Critics, including UN organizations, argue that the policy undermines human rights and targets a vulnerable population, many of whom have lived in Japan their entire lives and consider it their only home.

Key Points:

1.Policy Overview:

The new rule applies to “malicious” cases of arrears but raises concerns over the subjective application of terms like "willful" delinquency. Existing enforcement measures, such as foreclosure or litigation, remain available, questioning the necessity of this harsher policy.

2.Affected Populations:

-Permanent residents make up 25% of Japan’s 3.59 million foreign residents.
-Young and older residents alike fear the impact, especially those with health or job-related challenges.
-Special permanent residents, such as descendants of Korean and Taiwanese immigrants from Japan’s colonial era, are excluded but worry about future inclusion.

3.Criticism and Advocacy:

-Groups like "The Alliance of Permanent Residents" are advocating for case-by-case assessments.
-Testimonies highlight the emotional and historical ties of residents, including Chinese and Korean communities, to Japan.
-UN bodies have raised concerns over potential human rights violations, but Japan’s government claims the law is non-discriminatory.

4.Broader Implications:

-Japan's stringent permanent residency process already requires significant effort and compliance.
-Critics say the law damages Japan’s reputation on human rights and disrupts the stability of long-term residents.
-Economic decline and anti-immigration policies are seen as compounding factors in the erosion of trust among the international community.

This policy has drawn widespread backlash for its potential to unfairly target permanent residents and its perceived inconsistency with the principles of multiculturalism and human rights.
Tags: Permanent Resident, Immigration Law

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