Japan Immigration News

(The Mainichi)Editorial: Japan's higher residency fees impose excessive burden on foreigners

Release Date: 2026-04-28
Media: The Mainichi
Summary: Japan plans to sharply raise immigration fees under a revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Residence status procedures may rise to 70,000 yen, while permanent residency applications could reach around 200,000 yen.

Critics argue the increase is excessive, especially for low-income families and refugee applicants who must repeatedly renew short-term status during long screenings. Clear standards for fee reductions have not been presented.

The government says the revenue will support foreign residents and immigration digitalization. However, opponents warn that foreign nationals already contribute through taxes and labor, and question whether tighter policies reflect an increasingly exclusionary approach.
Tags: Immigration Policy

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