TOKYO: Japan's government plans to raise the requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency by requiring applicants to earn more than the average Japanese household income and meet a minimum projected pension benefit threshold, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The government will revise the relevant guidelines on Oct. 1 and, in principle, begin applying the new requirements to applications submitted from next April.
Under the current guidelines, applicants for permanent residency must demonstrate "good conduct", possess sufficient assets or skills to maintain an independent livelihood, and show that granting them permanent residency would be in the "best interests" of Japan.
Under the revised guidelines, applicants will additionally be required to have an annual income above the average for a Japanese household and projected pension benefits equivalent to those expected from 30 years of enrolment in an employees' pension scheme.
Applicants whose projected pension benefits fall short of the threshold will be allowed to make up the difference with savings and other assets.
In determining whether granting permanent residency would be in the "best interests" of Japan, the new rules will also require consideration of an applicant's Japanese-language ability and understanding of the country's laws and regulations.
As of the end of last year, about 947,000 people held permanent residency status.- Japan News/ANN
