Recently members of Japan’s parliament approved an immigration control law revision that effectively raised fees for foreigners applying for residence status while also paving the way for the introduction of the online pre-entry screening covering those coming from abroad, according to a news report by Kyodo News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s parliament on Friday passed an immigration control law revision to raise the maximum fee for residence status applications by foreigners and introduce an online pre-entry travel authorization system for overseas arrivals.
Once the fee changes are implemented later this fiscal year, the upper limit will be set at 100,000 yen ($630) for visa renewals and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications, marking a sharp increase from the existing threshold of 10,000 yen.
The fees are currently 6,000 yen for changing residence status or extending the period of stay and 10,000 yen for permanent residency. The new fees will be formally set by a Cabinet order after soliciting public comments.
The government, which has cited rising costs for the revision, has said it will ease the payment burden on humanitarian grounds and for those facing financial difficulties, but lawmakers have pointed out during parliamentary deliberations that the criteria for such considerations remain unclear.
The Immigration Services Agency plans to formulate guidelines setting forth specific requirements and other details.
The latest revision also includes the establishment of the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, with an eye on implementation in fiscal 2028.
The system, aimed at preventing terrorism and illegal employment, targets 74 countries and regions whose citizens qualify for visa-free entry for short stays.
Travelers will be required to provide information online, such as their name, purpose of visit, and destination, several days prior to departure, which will be cross-checked against criminal records and other databases.
If there is a suspicion of illegal overstaying, travelers will be denied boarding on planes or ships.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the newly approved measures will help Japan control immigration better while also enhancing the security of its citizens? Do you think the raised fees will discourage Third World foreigners from migrating to Japan?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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