Hello! This is Fu from Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation. This time, we will explain in detail how the legal reform has tightened the requirements for permanent residence permits for foreign workers.
This article contains important changes for those who are considering applying for permanent residence permission, as well as those who already have permanent residence permission, so please read it to the end.
1. Tightening of the permanent residence permit system
"Bill to amend the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Act on Proper Implementation of Technical Intern Training for Foreign Nationals and Protection of Technical Intern Trainees" was passed and enacted on June 14, 2024. With the exception of some provisions, the effective date will be a date to be determined by government ordinance within not more than three years from the date of promulgation, and as of July, it has not yet come into effect.
1. Screening of permanent residence applications will become stricter
What is noteworthy about this revision of the law is that the requirements for permanent residence permission have become even stricter. From now on, the Immigration Bureau will check the following conditions when reviewing applications for permanent residence permission.
If you do not meet these requirements, it may be difficult to obtain permanent residence permission. In order to continue living in Japan, you will need to meet even stricter standards than before.
(1) Tax payment status
There will be a strict review to see if you have paid your past taxes properly. If you have even a small amount of unpaid taxes, it will be difficult to obtain permanent residence permission.
⑵ Pension enrollment and payment
You are required to enroll in the Japanese public pension system and make appropriate payments. Non-membership or non-payment of premiums will be a major negative factor in the application for permanent residence permission.
⑶ Enrolling in health insurance
Joining Japanese public health insurance is also a mandatory requirement. This will verify whether a system is in place that allows applicants to receive appropriate medical services as members of Japanese society.
② There is a possibility that permanent residence permission may be revoked even after it has been granted.
Furthermore, even once permanent residence permission is granted, there is no relief. The Immigration Bureau will continue to monitor the situation and reserve the right to revoke it. Specifically, permanent residence permission may be revoked in the following circumstances:
⑴ Criminal acts
If you commit a serious crime, your permanent residence status can be immediately revoked.
⑵ Intentionally not paying taxes, pensions, or insurance
Willful failure to pay taxes, pension or health insurance will also result in the revocation of permanent residence status. Any shortfall in payment may result in cancellation. For example, this would include making false tax returns to intentionally avoid paying taxes or continuing unpaid pension insurance premiums.
3) If your permanent residence status is revoked, you will need to change to another residence status.
If your permanent residence status is revoked, you will not lose all of your residence status, but your life will be significantly restricted thereafter. If certain requirements are met, you may be allowed to change your status of residence to one other than permanent resident, but the conditions are also strict.
For example, it is possible to change to another residence status, such as a family stay or work visa, but the process is complicated and time-consuming. This may enable you to continue living in Japan, but the specific procedures and requirements for change will vary depending on each individual case.
④ Government measures and support
In addition to tightening the permanent residence permit system, the government is establishing systems to set up support organizations for foreigners and ensure the independence of supervisory support organizations. However, these measures may in some cases lead to additional burdens for foreign workers.
2. Establishment of a new residence status, the "Development and Employment System"
In addition to tightening the requirements for permanent residence permit, a "development and employment system" was created. The purpose of this system is to develop foreign workers with skills at the level of Specified Skills No. 1 and to secure the human resources needed in various fields. However, there are many requirements to use this system, making it a high hurdle for foreign workers.
For example, the agricultural sector often requires foreign workers as seasonal laborers, but in order to use this training and employment system, many documents and procedures must be completed, even for a short period of time. This can make it difficult to implement in practice.
3. Strengthening penalties for the crime of encouraging illegal employment
Penalties for acts that encourage illegal employment have also been significantly strengthened. The prison sentence was increased from three years or less to five years or less, and the fine was increased from three million yen or less to five million yen or less. This is expected to prevent illegal employment, but at the same time it will increase the burden on companies. It is even more important to follow proper procedures when hiring foreign workers.
Leave your permanent residence application to the Support Administrative Scriveners Corporation!
If you would like to know more about the changes to the permanent residency requirements or have any concerns about the specific procedures, please feel free to contact us.
Benefits of Choosing Support Gyoseishoshi Law Firm
Support document creation/application on your behalf
The statement of reasons submitted when applying for a permanent residence visa is an important document that will affect the approval. We create a customized explanation document for each customer.
We will check all materials and make necessary suggestions.
We are also reviewing all the documents to be submitted to the authorities. There are some documents that may be disadvantageous if submitted.Therefore, we will carefully check to ensure that you are closer to obtaining permission.
Rest assured that visa specialists will assist you
We have an experienced team that has obtained permission in many difficult cases.
Multilingual support available
In addition to Japanese, we can also provide support in Chinese, English, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Nationwide support
Our company has offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, and can handle applications throughout Japan.
Fast and reliable response
With speedy response as our motto, we will handle your various applications promptly and reliably.
