To ensure better coordination and more efficient action on immigration matters, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has formally started the process of sharing personal data on foreign nationals facing deportation with the local governments, according to a news article by Jiji Press. The agency plans to provide monthly updates on such foreigners’ relocations or returns to their home countries.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has started sharing personal information on foreign nationals subject to deportation proceedings with local governments, as part of a review of policies concerning foreigners pursued by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Previously, such information was shared only when there was consent from affected individuals, sometimes leaving local governments unable to grasp the whereabouts of foreigners subject to deportation proceedings.
The latest move is aimed at promoting appropriate responses through cooperation between the central and local governments.
In July, the agency informed local governments of the number, names, addresses, nationalities and dates of birth of foreign nationals who were subject to deportation proceedings and living outside immigration facilities as of the end of June.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the immigration services agency of Japan is doing the right thing by sharing with local governments personal information of foreigners who are facing deportation? Do you think this new strategy will improve the search for and deportation of foreigners who are staying in Japan illegally? What do you think local governments can do when it comes to illegal aliens/immigrants living within their jurisdiction? Do you think other nations should follow Japan’s examples?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Following the unfortunate decision made the by Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) regarding birthright citizenship, US President Donald J. Trump signed two new Executive Orders to formally end birth tourism while also protecting the meaning and value of American citizenship.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the News24 (formerly Sky News Australia) video covering the Oval Office. Watch it and pay close attention to the details.
In America, birth tourism is already a huge problem that has yet to be full resolved. If it is left unchecked, it will negatively impact and even deform democracy in the US. That said, President Trump signed the Executive Order ending birth tourism. To understand it fully, posted below is the entire content of the said Executive Order sourced from the White House website. Some parts in boldface…
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose. United States citizenship is among the greatest inheritances the Nation can bestow. It embodies a sacred bond between the American people and the Nation in which they live, and carries profound rights, privileges, and responsibilities reflective of the enduring allegiance of citizens to the United States and our Constitution. Citizenship is not a commodity to be acquired through calculated exploitation and evasion of the immigration laws, such as by entering the United States on a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth within the Nation’s borders.
Birth tourism operators use deceptive advertisements and inducements to entice foreign nationals to travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth on American soil. They promise citizenship; access to public benefits; and short-term stays in specialized facilities, hotels, or rentals, but often fail to deliver on these promises. These operators coach their clients to misrepresent the purpose and duration of their travel to consular and border officials to obtain visas authorizing entry into the United States. Failure to appropriately combat these schemes has resulted in thriving industries around the world that profit by enabling the evasion of American immigration laws to obtain citizenship and other immigration benefits for foreign visitors, and the exploitation of the women who travel here for purposes of giving birth.
The immigration laws of the United States establish discrete categories of temporary nonimmigrant visas to allow foreign visitors into the United States for study, exchange, temporary employment, tourism, and other transitory activities that are now exploited by birth tourism operators. Participants in birth tourism schemes abuse these categories to establish a permanent foothold in the United States by securing the advantage of citizenship for their children and then potentially for themselves.
Birth tourism, defined in section 3 of this order, undermines the integrity of the Nation’s immigration system by enabling foreign nationals to exploit their temporary admission to obtain permanent immigration-related benefits. Birth tourism also diverts limited consular inspection and enforcement resources away from legitimate visa applicants, erodes public confidence in the faithful enforcement of the immigration laws, and impairs the executive branch’s ability to protect the national security.
The United States has a compelling interest in ensuring that each visa category is used only for the purpose for which it was established. Foreign nationals seeking temporary admission into the United States must adhere to the purposes for which the Congress has authorized their temporary admission, and cannot be permitted to circumvent the immigration laws in an attempt to vest themselves and their children with lasting benefits that are irreconcilable with their nonimmigrant status.
It is therefore the policy of the United States to promote the integrity of its immigration system, to ensure that nonimmigrant visa classifications are used only for their lawful and intended purposes, and to prevent the exploitation of those classifications by persons engaging in birth tourism.
Sec. 2. Authorities. Pursuant to section 301 of title 3, United States Code, the authority granted to the President under section 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1185(a), is hereby delegated to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to the extent necessary to implement this order, including the authority to issue or adopt rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance to carry out this order.
Sec. 3. Definition. For purposes of this order, “birth tourism” is defined as:
(a) the entry of any foreign national into the United States via a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth on American soil; or
(b) any effort by any foreign national to facilitate the entry of any foreign national into the United States via a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth on American soil.
Sec. 4. Scope and Implementation. (a) The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take such actions and update any rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance as necessary to effectuate the policy set forth in this order. Such actions may include, within the Secretaries’ respective discretion and authority, appropriate action to prevent the entry into the United States of, or the granting of any visa or other travel authorization to, any alien entering or attempting to enter the United States for the purpose of engaging in birth tourism; revoking the visa or travel authorization and permanently barring entry of any alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States for the purpose of engaging in birth tourism; denial of entry to, or removal of, any alien who previously engaged or plans to engage in birth tourism; or other appropriate action against entities, organizations, or individuals, within or outside of the United States, responsible for facilitating or enabling birth tourism in any manner.
(b) All other relevant executive departments and agencies shall provide such records and information as are necessary for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement the terms of this order and the rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance issued pursuant to it, subject to applicable law.
Sec. 5. Exemptions. Notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by this order, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may exempt a foreign national from actions taken pursuant to this order on humanitarian grounds or when the foreign national’s entry is in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of any of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
(e) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Homeland Security.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the two new Executive Orders signed by Trump will effectively end birth tourism while protecting the value of American citizenship? What kind of responses do you think the Democrats will come up with to oppose the Executive Orders. Do you think Islamist states like Iran, Pakistan, Qatar and Bangladesh are deliberately sending their citizens to America with birth tourism in mind? Did you spot any Chinese nationals engaging in birth tourism in America lately?
In Japan, housekeeping services whose workforce involved Filipinos are gaining popularity and public trust as the nation has growing demand for such support, according to a news report by Kyodo News. The report mentioned the cheerful personalities and diligence of Filipino workers.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…
Housekeeping services employing Filipino staff have gained in popularity amid growing demand in Japan for such domestic support, with one provider seeing their workforce roughly double over the past decade.
Since the Japanese government began allowing foreign nationals to provide housekeeping services in national strategic special zones in 2016, workers from the Philippines have been a top choice due to their cheerful personalities, diligence as well as expertise.
In February, a Filipino housekeeping staff member listened carefully to her client’s instructions as she made her on-site debut around a month after arriving in Japan. She assiduously took notes as the client explained in a mix of English and Japanese how to use cleaning tools and the order of detergents.
“(Filipinos) are friendly and easy to talk to and they work seriously, so I can feel at ease,” the client said.
Before 2015, only certain households, such as those of foreign diplomats, had been allowed to employ foreign housekeepers. But a legal change that year, aimed at increasing women’s workforce participation and easing labor shortages in Japan’s housekeeping industry, paved the way for foreigners to work in designated areas.
Following the law revision, Tokyo-based Pinay International Co. launched a business especially employing Filipino housekeepers. It now operates in parts of Tokyo, neighboring Kanagawa Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture with more than 200 Filipino staff working as full-time employees.
The company recruits workers in the Philippines and provides extensive training before and after their arrival in Japan, while also supporting their daily life in areas such as housing.
“Foreign talent playing an active role will likely lead to revitalizing Japan,” Pinay International CEO Tetsuya Moteki, 55, said.
According to a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan’s housekeeping services market has been expanding as the number of dual-income households increases.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think more Japanese households will trust housekeeping service providers once they realize their workforce includes Filipinos? What do you think makes Filipino housekeeping workers more trustworthy compared with those from other nations of Southeast Asia?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
In the latest development on reforming immigration in Japan, the nation’s immigration agency proposed tougher requirements and new pension rules for granting permanent residency to foreigners, according to a news report by Kyodo News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…
Japan’s immigration agency on Tuesday proposed tougher requirements for granting permanent residency to foreigners, including requiring applicants to maintain income above the average for Japanese households and a certain level of projected pension benefits.
The proposed guidelines are part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s push to create an “orderly society” in which Japanese and foreign nationals coexist while cracking down on illegal activities.
The Immigration Services Agency will solicit public comments before implementing the new rules from April 2027.
Permanent residents can remain in Japan indefinitely without restrictions on their activities while retaining their original nationality. Applicants generally must have lived in Japan for at least 10 years to qualify.
It differs from naturalization, through which a person acquires Japanese citizenship.
Under the current guidelines, the three main requirements for obtaining permanent residency are good conduct, sufficient assets or skills to maintain an independent livelihood, and that granting permanent residency is in Japan’s best interests.
The revised rule would require applicants to maintain annual household income above the average for Japanese households, with the benchmark based on several government data sources.
According to a health ministry survey on living conditions released on July 15, for instance, average income per household in Japan stood at 5.75 million yen ($36,500) in 2024.
Applicants would also be required to have projected pension benefits equivalent to those payable after 30 years of enrollment in the employees’ pension program at their income level.
If the projected pension benefits fall short, they will be allowed to cover the difference with their financial assets.
The revised guidelines would also introduce a Japanese-language requirement, with applicants required to demonstrate proficiency at the level of an “independent user.”
While the population of Japanese nationals has been on a downtrend, the number of foreign residents has been increasing as Japan has been accepting more workers from abroad.
As of the end of last year, about 947,000 people held permanent residency status, with many from China and the Philippines.
Permanent residency is currently granted to a spouse of a Japanese national or a permanent residency holder when their marriage has lasted for at least three years, and the non-Japanese spouse has resided in Japan for at least one year.
The proposal would raise the thresholds to five years of marriage and three years of residence.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the proposed tougher requirements and new pension rules make a lot of sense when it comes to the granting of permanent residency to foreigners there in Japan? Do you think the proposals will discourage foreigners from Third World nations like Pakistan, Somalia and Bangladesh from seeking permanent residency in Japan? Do you think the current government of Japan is doing good enough to reform immigration? Do you think that foreigners in Japan who applied for permanent residency and committed a local crime or an act of violence should automatically be disqualified by the government?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
In a clear attempt to cover the administrative costs resulting from the sharp increase of foreign residents in their country, Japan intends to raise foreigners’ residency fees significantly this year, according to a news article by Jiji Press.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…
Japan announced a draft cabinet order Friday to raise the fees for permission to change temporary residence status and extend the period of stay to up to 75,000 yen from the current 6,000 yen.
The new fees will range from 10,000 to 75,000 yen, varying depending on the length of the period, according to the draft, released by the Immigration Services Agency. The fee to obtain permanent resident status will jump to 200,000 yen from 10,000 yen.
The agency hopes to put the fee hikes into effect in October after a public comment period from Friday.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the planned hike of foreigners’ residency fees are justified and timely? Do you think the plan will deter Third World countries from sending their citizens to Japan as immigrants or as migrant workers? Do you think the hike of foreigners’ residency fees will take effect this October?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a male Korean national was apprehended after assaulting his Filipina partner, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
A Korean man was arrested in Las Piñas City on Wednesday, July 2, after allegedly assaulting his Filipina partner during an argument sparked by a video discovered on his mobile phone.
Las Piñas Police chief Col. Fermin Armendarez identified the suspect only as “Sowi,” 39, residing in BF Resort, Barangay Talon Dos.
Armendarez said the 24-year-old victim confronted the suspect after discovering a video on his mobile phone showing him with another woman inside a hotel.
The confrontation escalated into a heated argument, during which the enraged suspect repeatedly slapped the victim.
Police said the victim attempted to flee, but the suspect allegedly chased her and repeatedly struck her on the head with his mobile phone.
Concerned residents who witnessed the incident immediately sought assistance from barangay watchmen who arrested the suspect. He was turned over to the Las Piñas Police Substation 4.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? When was the last time a foreigner assaulted a woman in your local community?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
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Ibaraki Prefecture’s policy on rewarding those who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers has officially taken effect yesterday and if the information leads to an enforcement action, the tipster will be rewarded 10,000 ten (over US$60), according to a report by Kyodo News. Ibaraki Prefecture (population: 2.9 million) currently has the largest number of undocumented foreign workers among all of Japan’s prefectures.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…
Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, launched a controversial program Monday to reward people for reporting businesses that hire illegal foreign workers.
After verifying the information as accurate, the prefectural government will report the employers to the police. If the information leads to an enforcement action, the tipster will receive a reward of 10,000 yen ($64).
The program was introduced after the prefecture said it had the highest number of undocumented foreign workers among the country’s 47 prefectures for four consecutive years.
The local government says foreign workers are necessary amid severe labor shortages and the crackdown on illegal hiring will help to address human rights violations.
According to the prefecture’s guidelines, reporting will be limited to businesses hiring, brokering or suspected of facilitating illegal employment, and information submitted with malicious intent or about individuals based on their appearance or nationality will not be accepted.
Reports can be filed through the prefectural website by providing personal information such as name, address and phone number, and must include a copy of identification, such as a driver’s license, the prefecture said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Ibaraki Prefecture’s newly launched policy will soon spark a crackdown on businesses that hired illegal foreign workers? Do you think the police will deter illegal immigrants/aliens in Japan from going to Ibaraki Prefecture for work? Is the reward of 10,000 yen sufficient? Do you think other prefectures in Japan will eventually follow the Ibaraki Prefecture policy on illegal foreign workers? Does anyone in your household support illegal immigrants/aliens and prefer all government units to accept them as refugees?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae made it clear that she intends to revise the Constitution of her nation in accordance with the demands of the modern age, according to a news report by Kyodo News. When it comes to national security in the modern age, Japan is constantly defending itself from the aggressive moves of Communist China and North Korea. The nation also has its own internal challenges such as foreigners committing crime, grouping together to cause public nuisance and negatively affecting the Japanese.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday once again signaled her intention to pursue a revision of the Constitution, as she stressed that the postwar supreme law, which serves as the foundation of the country, “should be periodically updated in accordance with the demands of the times.”
Speaking in a video message to a gathering of revision proponents on Constitution Memorial Day, Takaichi vowed to explain potential amendments carefully to the public, adding that her ruling Liberal Democratic Party would “advance discussions in the Diet aimed at reaching decisions while securing the cooperation of other parties.”
A recent Kyodo News poll showed that 73 percent of the Japanese public called for prioritizing a broad consensus across political parties when moving toward an amendment of the Constitution.
“Discussion must not be for the sake of discussion alone. What politicians must engage in, in order to fulfill the trust placed in them by the people, is discussion aimed at making decisions,” Takaichi said.
Takaichi, known as a conservative hawk, is pushing to bring about a change to the Constitution for the first time since it came into effect following World War II. Among possible areas of amendment is the war-renouncing Article 9, which is seen as the cornerstone of Japan’s postwar pacifist stance.
An amendment would require approval by a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the Diet, followed by majority support in a national referendum. The LDP won two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives election in February, while it and other pro-reform forces are within reach of the same threshold in the House of Councillors.
Amid a deteriorating security environment, Takaichi said at the LDP’s annual convention in April that she aims to initiate a proposal for a constitutional amendment by the time the party holds its convention next year.
At Sunday’s gathering, Tomohiko Taniguchi, a former special adviser to the Cabinet, cautioned against getting distracted by discussion of other provisions, saying, “Article 9 stands squarely at the center. I hope we avoid taking easy detours.”
For insight about the current Constitution of Japan, click here and here.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think there are sufficient grounds for Japan to have its Constitution revised? Do you think national security and the regional threats of North Korea and Communist China justify the need to revise the Japanese Constitution? Do you think Prime Minister Takaichi, the LDP and other parties in the chambers of government can reach a consensus to successfully amend the Constitution?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Even though controversy hounded it, the approved plan of Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan on rewarding those who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers will take effect on May 11, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Ibaraki Prefecture (population of around 2.9 million) is located northeast of Tokyo and it already has a high number of illegal foreign workers.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…
A controversial plan to reward people who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers will take effect May 11 in a prefecture northeast of Tokyo, the local government said Wednesday.
Ibaraki Prefecture, which, as of 2024, had the highest number of illegal foreign workers among the country’s 47 prefectures, will report such employers to police after verifying the information. It will offer 10,000 yen ($63) if a tip leads to a case being opened.
Reports will be limited to businesses hiring foreign workers unlawfully, and the prefecture plans to issue guidelines, including not basing reports solely on individuals’ appearance or nationality.
Reports can be filed through the prefectural website by providing personal information such as name, address and phone number, and must include a copy of identification, such as a driver’s license, the prefecture said.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think more local government units and prefectures in Japan should follow Ibaraki Prefecture’s policy on dealing with illegal foreign workers found being hired by businesses? Do you think such a policy will improve Japan’s way of removing illegal foreign workers and cleaning up the private sector from such people? Is Ibaraki Prefecture’s 10,000 Yen reward good enough? Do you think Ibaraki Prefecture should come up a new policy to punish foreigners who cause public disturbances?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
South Korea is aiming high to attract more highly skilled professionals from around the world and it will soon introduce new visa programs for technicians and sector-specific workers, according to a news report by VnExpress. For insight, South Korea has a low birth rate and a rapid aging population.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…
South Korea plans to expand eligibility for its “top-tier visa” for highly skilled foreign professionals and introduce new visa programs for technicians and sector-specific workers, part of broader efforts to address the country’s low birth rate and rapidly aging population.
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho announced the measures at a press briefing on Tuesday, describing them as part of the government’s long-term immigration strategy looking toward the 2030s, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The top-tier visa is currently granted mainly to professionals working in eight advanced sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and robotics. Under the revised policy, eligibility will be expanded to include professors and researchers in science and technology fields.
The Justice Ministry said it developed the “2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy” in response to declining birth rates and an aging population, as well as rapid changes in industrial and technological environments.
Authorities also plan to introduce a new visa program called the K-Core Visa (E-7-M), allowing international students graduating from Korean junior colleges to remain in the country for longer periods, The Korea Herald reported.
To address labor shortages in the care sector, the government will designate selected colleges in each region to specialize in training foreign caregivers.
The ministry also intends to launch a regional immigration package program aimed at encouraging foreign residents to live and work in areas experiencing population decline. The initiative will offer support such as employment and business information, social integration programs and childcare assistance to help foreign workers and their families settle in local communities.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the authorities in South Korea are carefully with the plans they came up with to attract more skilled foreign workers? Do you think the plan will result in a huge impact on the country’s population and demographics? Do you think South Korea has enough measures to prevent illegal immigration from happening?