[Blog]Why Immigration Policy Is So Difficult: Lessons from the UK and Implications for Japan

2026-02-05

Introduction: The Article Discussed

This article introduces and reflects on the analysis published by UK in a Changing Europe titled “Why immigration policy is hard and how to make it better.” The original article can be found at https://ukandeu.ac.uk/why-immigration-policy-is-hard-and-how-to-make-it-better/. The piece clearly explains why immigration policy so often becomes politically and socially contentious, and it offers valuable perspectives that are highly relevant to Japan as it expands its acceptance of foreign workers.

1. Why Immigration Policy Is Fundamentally Difficult

1-1. Immigration cannot be reduced to simple binaries

The article emphasizes that immigration policy cannot be meaningfully discussed in terms of simple binaries such as “open or closed” or “for or against immigration.” Immigration affects multiple domains at the same time, including labor markets, wages, taxation, public services, and social cohesion. These effects differ by sector, region, and type of migrant, meaning that immigration may generate benefits in one area while creating challenges in another. This multi-layered nature makes oversimplified political messaging particularly misleading.

1-2. A persistent gap between economic need and public sentiment

In many advanced economies, immigration is economically necessary due to aging populations and labor shortages. At the same time, public opinion often remains cautious or skeptical. This gap between economic logic and democratic sentiment makes immigration policy especially vulnerable to political pressure. The article points out that immigration frequently becomes a symbolic political issue, which further complicates evidence-based policy design.

2. Perspectives for Improving Immigration Policy

2-1. The importance of evidence-based policymaking

A central message of the article is that immigration policy should be grounded in empirical evidence rather than fear or intuition. The impact of immigration on wages, employment, tax revenues, and public services varies significantly depending on context. Treating immigration as uniformly “good” or “bad” ignores this complexity and undermines effective policymaking. Careful analysis is therefore essential for designing policies that reflect real-world outcomes.

2-2. Focusing on institutional design rather than headline numbers

The article also cautions against evaluating immigration policy solely by the number of migrants admitted. What matters more is institutional design: who is admitted, for what purposes, under what conditions, and how they are supported after arrival. Immigration policy must be coordinated with labor policy, education, regional development, and social integration measures in order to be sustainable over the long term.

3. The Tension Between Control and Openness

3-1. The limits of control-focused approaches

While stricter controls may appear politically attractive, the article argues that control alone rarely resolves underlying issues. Excessively rigid systems can increase irregular pathways and erode trust in the policy framework itself. When legal routes fail to match economic reality, informal and precarious arrangements tend to expand, ultimately weakening governance rather than strengthening it.

3-2. Openness requires investment in integration

At the same time, openness without adequate integration measures carries its own risks. Language support, skills development, access to information, and community-level engagement are essential for enabling migrants to participate fully in society. Immigration policy should therefore be understood not only as a matter of admission, but also as a long-term social investment that extends well beyond the border.

4. Implications for Japan

4-1. Japan is approaching a structural turning point

Japan is increasingly dependent on foreign workers to sustain its economy and essential services. However, policies and public discourse often continue to frame migration as temporary or exceptional. The UK discussion suggests that such an approach has limits. If migration becomes structurally necessary, it must be incorporated into broader social and institutional planning rather than treated as an ad hoc solution.

4-2. Transparency and data are essential for constructive debate

As in other countries, immigration debates in Japan can become emotionally charged. To move beyond this, transparent data on labor market effects, local impacts, and administrative capacity are crucial. Making outcomes visible and subject to evaluation helps build trust and allows policy adjustments to be made on a rational basis.

4-3. Immigration policy reflects a nation’s future vision

Viewed through the lens of the UK article, immigration policy is not merely a response to labor shortages but a reflection of a country’s long-term vision for society. Whether Japan chooses short-term fixes or invests in a coherent, inclusive framework will shape social sustainability for decades to come. Immigration policy should therefore be discussed as a core element of national strategy.

Conclusion: Beginning with an Honest Recognition of Complexity

Immigration policy is difficult precisely because it sits at the intersection of economics, politics, and social values. The analysis presented by UK in a Changing Europe provides a valuable framework for understanding this complexity. For Japan, acknowledging these structural challenges and committing to evidence-based, transparent discussion is an essential first step toward building a more resilient and sustainable approach to migration.