【2026 Latest Update】Major Shift in Japan’s Foreign Policy! What Companies and Foreign Residents Must Check Now Regarding Expanded Deportation Criteria and Stricter Permanent Residency Requirements

Introduction: Japan’s Foreign Policy at a Major Turning Point

On January 20, 2026, the Japanese government revealed its draft basic policy on foreign nationals, which is currently under review. This draft includes critical changes such as the expansion of crimes subject to deportation and stricter requirements for permanent residency—matters of significant importance to foreign residents in Japan and companies employing foreign workers.

As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) specializing in residence status applications, I have supported numerous foreign nationals and corporate HR personnel over the years. Drawing from this experience, I will explain the key points of this policy draft and what you need to verify immediately in easy-to-understand terms.

Overall Picture of the Policy Draft: What Does “Balancing Order and Coexistence” Mean?

The Society the Government Aims to Create

In this policy draft, the government states its goal to “create a society where both Japanese citizens and foreign nationals can live safely and securely by balancing ‘order’ and ‘coexistence.'”

While this may sound contradictory at first, it actually conveys a very clear message:

• “Order” = Strict response to those who don’t follow the rules
• “Coexistence” = Better environment for those who live properly

In other words, the policy aims to provide enhanced support for foreign nationals who work honestly and live lawfully in Japan, while taking stricter measures against criminal activities and improper residence status.

Why Now?

The number of foreign residents in Japan is approaching 3 million, and foreign nationals are no longer a “special presence” in Japanese society but have become “neighbors living together.”

Particularly in the labor market, many industries cannot operate without foreign workers, and this trend is expected to strengthen further.

However, it is also true that some cases of fraud and improper residence management have become social issues. Therefore, the government is shifting toward a foreign acceptance policy that emphasizes not just “quantity” but also “quality.”

【Important Change 1】Crimes Subject to Deportation Will Be Expanded

Problems with the Current System

Until now, deportation has mainly applied to the following cases:

• Receiving a prison sentence of one year or more
• Drug-related crimes
• Immigration law violations (illegal stay, etc.)

However, under these criteria, “sex offenders who did not receive prison sentences” and similar cases were not covered, leading to criticism from the public.

Future Changes

The policy draft clearly states that the range of crimes subject to deportation will be expanded.

While the specific crimes to be added will be determined through future discussions, it is highly likely that at least “sex crimes not resulting in prison sentences” will be included.

What Foreign Residents in Japan Should Be Aware Of

This is not a policy to “exclude foreign nationals.” Rather, it is also a measure to protect the safety of the majority of foreign nationals living honestly.

However, the following points require attention:

✓ Even minor crimes can have an impact if repeated
Even traffic violations or minor offenses, if repeated, can negatively affect residence status renewal or permanent residence applications.

✓ “I didn’t know” is not an excuse
Unfortunately, not knowing Japanese law is not an acceptable reason. If you live in Japan, you have the obligation to understand and follow Japanese laws.

✓ Be cautious about the behavior of fellow foreign friends
Even if you follow the law yourself, if a friend you’re with commits a crime, you risk being implicated.

What Corporate HR Personnel Should Verify

Companies employing foreign workers should verify the following points and conduct internal training as necessary:

1. Check understanding of traffic rules
   Bicycle traffic violations in particular are often overlooked but can become problematic if repeated.
2. Ensure compliance with laws in the workplace
   Take the opportunity to review not just labor-related laws but also legal compliance in daily life.
3. Clarify consultation channels when troubles occur
   It’s important to have clear channels where employees can immediately consult when problems arise.

【Important Change 2】Permanent Residency and Naturalization Requirements Will Be Stricter

What Is Permanent Residency?

Permanent residency is the most flexible residence status, with no time limit on stay and no work restrictions. It is a goal many foreign nationals aspire to.

Current main requirements for permanent residency include:

• In principle, residence in Japan for 10 years or more (5 years or more with work or residence status)
• Good conduct
• Assets or skills sufficient to make an independent living
• Recognition that permanent residence benefits Japan’s interests

Further Stricter Requirements Expected

The policy draft explicitly states that “stricter requirements for permanent residency and naturalization will be implemented.”

While specific changes will be determined going forward, based on past cases, the following directions are anticipated:

• Addition of Japanese language proficiency requirements (proof of a certain level of Japanese ability required)
• More detailed checks on tax payment history
• Further strictness in conduct requirements (even minor violations may have an impact)
• Evaluation of contributions to local communities

Advice for Those Aiming for Permanent Residency

If you are currently considering obtaining permanent residency, please verify the following points immediately:

✓ Are there any changes to the information on your residence card?
Have you properly filed notifications for address changes, workplace changes, etc.?

✓ Are you properly paying taxes and pension?
If you have unpaid or overdue amounts, I recommend paying them retroactively even now.

✓ Have you committed any minor violations such as traffic offenses?
Such “minor violations” may affect future reviews.

✓ Can you prove your Japanese language ability?
I recommend taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) or similar examinations starting now.

For Companies to Secure Excellent Foreign Talent

For companies, supporting permanent residency acquisition is a very important benefit to retain excellent foreign employees long-term.

The fact that permanent residency requirements will become stricter means that corporate support systems will become even more important.

Examples of corporate support:

• Smoothly issue employment certificates and salary statements needed for permanent residency applications
• Subsidize consultation fees with specialists such as administrative scriveners as a welfare benefit
• Provide Japanese language learning opportunities in-house
• Encourage participation in community contribution activities (volunteering, etc.)

【Important Change 3】Reception Environment Will Also Be Enhanced

Establishment of Preschools

What deserves attention in this policy draft is that not only stricter measures but also support for “coexistence” will be enhanced.

Specifically, the government will establish “preschools” to teach Japanese language and study habits to foreign children before school age.

This is an important measure to help foreign children adapt smoothly to Japanese school education.

Creation of Japanese Language, Culture, and Legal System Learning Programs

Additionally, new programs will be created for foreign nationals to learn Japanese culture and legal systems.

These programs should be very beneficial for foreign nationals planning to live in Japan long-term.

Benefits of Active Utilization

By actively utilizing such public support programs, you can gain the following benefits:

• Deepen understanding of Japanese society and prevent troubles in advance
• Improve Japanese language ability, making work and daily life smoother
• Possibly be evaluated as “efforts to adapt to local communities” when applying for permanent residency, etc.

For companies as well, providing information about these programs to foreign employees can lead to improved retention rates.

【Other Important Points】Restrictions on the Number of Foreign Residents Also Under Consideration

Implementation of Future Projections

The policy draft also states that to consider restrictions on the number of foreign residents accepted, future projections will be made on impacts to social security systems, labor population, public safety, etc.

This is an attempt to scientifically analyze the appropriate range within which Japanese society can accept foreign nationals, rather than accepting them without limit.

Impact on Companies

If a cap is set on the number of accepted foreign nationals in the future, competition for hiring foreign workers is expected to intensify further.

In other words, the era of “hiring any foreign national” is completely over, and we’re entering an era where “how to secure and retain excellent foreign talent” will determine corporate competitiveness.

5 Actions Corporate HR Personnel Should Take Immediately

Here’s a summary of what companies employing foreign nationals should work on immediately in response to this policy draft:

1. Reconfirm Residence Card and Work Status Expiration Management Systems

If residence status expires, you may be charged with promoting illegal employment. Reconfirm your management system and ensure renewal period notifications are reliably sent.

2. Conduct Legal Compliance Training for Foreign Employees

Conduct training again on Japanese laws and social rules. The following content is particularly important:

• Traffic rules (including bicycles)
• Daily life rules such as garbage disposal
• Labor-related laws
• Acts not recognized as crimes (illegal parking, unlicensed business operations, etc.)

3. Identify Permanent Residency Applicants and Establish Support Systems

You should want excellent foreign employees to work for you long-term. Identify who wishes to obtain permanent residency and establish necessary support systems.

4. Gather Information on Newly Established Support Programs

Collect information on newly created support measures such as preschools and Japanese language learning programs, and provide information to eligible foreign employees.

5. Strengthen Collaboration with Specialists Such as Administrative Scriveners

Residence status issues are highly specialized, and incorrect responses can sometimes lead to irreversible consequences. I recommend establishing a collaborative relationship with trusted specialists such as administrative scriveners.

To Foreign Residents in Japan: No Need to Worry

No Concern for Those Living Honestly

Some foreign nationals may feel anxious hearing about this policy draft.

However, if you properly manage your residence status and live honestly following Japanese law, there is no need for excessive worry.

Rather, you can expect increased support programs and systems you can utilize.

Consult Specialists When in Doubt

Matters related to residence status require complex, specialized knowledge. Don’t rely solely on internet information—when in doubt, always consult specialists such as administrative scriveners.

I particularly recommend consulting early if:

• Your residence status is approaching expiration but you don’t understand renewal procedures
• You want to change jobs but need to verify if there are issues with your residence status
• You want permanent residency but need to know if you meet the requirements
• You want to bring family members but don’t understand the procedures
• You’ve had some past trouble and are worried about renewal

“Maintenance” Is More Important Than “Acquisition” for Residence Status

Residence status doesn’t end once you obtain it. Proper “maintenance” is most important.

• Immediately file notifications when information on your residence card changes
• Properly pay taxes and pension
• Follow Japanese laws including traffic rules
• Don’t forget to renew before your residence status expires

If you follow these basic practices, you don’t need to worry about this policy change.

Summary: What’s Required in the Era of “Order and Coexistence”

This draft basic policy on foreign nationals is considered to be a major turning point in Japan’s foreign acceptance policy.

What’s required of companies:

• Nurture foreign talent as “organizational members” rather than “cheap labor”
• Establish proper residence management and compliance systems
• Provide long-term career support including permanent residency acquisition

What’s required of foreign residents in Japan:

• Understand and follow Japanese laws and social rules
• Properly manage residence status
• Make efforts to improve Japanese language ability and adapt to local communities

And the role of us administrative scriveners:

• Provide accurate information and appropriate advice
• Support complex procedures
• Bridge companies and foreign nationals

Japan is now at an important period aiming for a “true society of coexistence” with foreign nationals. I believe it’s important to view this change positively and cooperate with each other.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact a specialist.

---

Reference Article:
Crimes Subject to Deportation Expanded from Current “Prison Sentence of 1 Year or More” and Drug Crimes…Basic Policy Draft on Foreign Policy (Yomiuri Shimbun Online)
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/53d57db7227fb94193de000120e06f9f9e3b967a

Related Keywords:
Foreign Policy / Deportation / Permanent Residency / Residence Status / Visa Application / Foreign Employment / Residence Management / Naturalization / Technical Intern Training / Specified Skilled Worker / Foreign Workers / Immigration Law / Administrative Scrivener / Foreign Residents in Japan / HR Management

60分無料相談お申し込みフォーム 60-min. Free Consulting Request Form