On July 31, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) announced the “Second Basic Plan for Immigration Control and Residence Management.” This plan outlines the future direction of Japan’s immigration policy and contains significant changes that will affect foreign residents, their families, and companies employing foreign workers.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the key points of the newly announced basic plan, explains how it will impact visa and residence status application procedures, and offers practical guidance on what companies and foreign residents should do to ensure compliance.
1. What Is the “Second Basic Plan for Immigration Control and Residence Management”?
The Basic Plan for Immigration Control and Residence Management is a medium- to long-term policy guideline for immigration matters, established by the Minister of Justice under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. The “Second Basic Plan” announced this time has been formulated to address evolving social conditions and emerging challenges, building on the previous plan.
The plan is structured around three main pillars:
- Achieving Proper Immigration Control and Residence Management
- Realizing a Cohesive Society with Foreign Residents
- Strengthening Measures Against Illegal Stay
These are not mere policy statements but will be directly reflected in the practical operations of immigration administration, potentially affecting examination standards for visa applications, residence status renewals, required documentation, and processing times.
2. Key Policy Changes: Four Major Points
(1) Introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization System “JESTA”
One of the most notable features of the new basic plan is the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization System, “JESTA.” This system, similar to the United States’ ESTA or Canada’s eTA, requires travelers to electronically submit information such as travel purpose, accommodation details, and contact information before entering Japan.
Impact on Procedures
- The system is expected to target foreign nationals entering Japan for short-term stays (tourism, business, etc.)
- Pre-registration of travel information will streamline immigration inspections
- Travelers from visa-exempt countries may also be required to pre-register
- Companies inviting foreign nationals from abroad will need to confirm JESTA registration
While this system is expected to improve the efficiency and security of immigration inspections, human resources departments will need to add a step to verify JESTA registration when accepting business travelers or trainees from overseas.
(2) Strengthening Information Sharing Using the My Number System
The new plan includes enhanced information sharing among government agencies using the My Number system. This will make it easier to share information related to residence status across tax, social insurance, and labor-related agencies.
Impact on Procedures
- Proper management of residence status will become more straightforward
- Detection of illegal employment and fraudulent applications will be expedited
- Companies must manage the alignment between foreign employees’ residence status and job duties more strictly
- Employment history and tax payment records may be reflected in examinations for residence status changes or renewals
In particular, companies employing foreign nationals with work-related residence statuses (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Skilled Labor, or Specified Skilled Worker) should review whether any unauthorized activities or inappropriate job assignments have occurred.
(3) Enhanced Support for Foreign Residents: Realizing a Cohesive Society
The new basic plan clearly emphasizes the “realization of a cohesive society.” Specific measures include multilingual information dissemination for foreign residents, expansion of consultation services, and enhancement of daily life support services.
Impact on Procedures
- Foreign residents will have easier access to public services
- Companies will find it easier to support the daily lives of foreign employees
- Integration with local communities will be promoted, improving retention rates of foreign workers
- Companies will be expected to establish life support systems for foreign employees as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR)
By creating a work environment where foreign employees feel secure, companies can improve recruitment and retention of talented workers. Establishing multilingual consultation services and providing daily life support information will become key elements of future talent strategies.
(4) Stricter Measures Against Illegal Stay
The basic plan clearly states that measures against illegal residents will include prompt deportation and enhanced enforcement systems.
Impact on Procedures
- Management of residence period deadlines will become stricter
- Crackdowns on overstay and unauthorized work will be intensified
- Companies’ obligation to verify residence status when hiring foreign nationals will be emphasized
- The risk of penalties for facilitating illegal employment will increase
Companies must thoroughly verify the authenticity of residence cards, manage residence periods, and ensure that job duties align with residence status qualifications. If illegal employment is discovered, the company may be subject to criminal penalties for facilitating illegal work.
3. Five Actions Companies Should Take Immediately
(1) Re-verify the Residence Status of All Foreign Employees
For all foreign employees, please verify the following:
- Validity of residence cards (not counterfeit or altered)
- Type of residence status (work-authorized status)
- Period of stay (whether renewal is approaching)
- Work restrictions (whether permission for activities outside the status is required)
(2) Confirm Alignment Between Job Duties and Residence Status
Especially for employees with the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status, confirm that they are not engaged in simple labor. If job duties do not match the residence status, it constitutes unauthorized activity, which can result in non-renewal or revocation of residence status.
(3) Create a Schedule for Residence Period Renewals
Create a list of residence period expiration dates and establish a schedule with ample time for applications. Renewal applications can be made from three months before the expiration date. Last-minute applications risk delays in processing, potentially resulting in periods when the employee cannot work.
(4) Establish Internal Systems
Assign a dedicated person in the human resources department to manage foreign employment and establish the following systems:
- Introduction of a residence status management system
- Establishment of multilingual consultation services
- Provision of daily life support information for foreign employees
- Regular training on residence status matters
(5) Collaborate with Specialists
We recommend partnering with immigration lawyers or administrative scriveners who specialize in visa applications and residence status matters to regularly review your company’s foreign employment practices. Establishing a system that can quickly respond to legal amendments and operational changes is the foundation of risk management.
4. What Foreign Residents Should Verify Immediately
(1) Check Remaining Days on Your Residence Period
Check your residence card and note the expiration date of your period of stay. While renewal applications can be made from three months before expiration, we recommend starting preparations as early as possible.
(2) Confirm Your Current Residence Status Is Appropriate
If you have changed jobs, your job duties have changed, or your life circumstances have changed (marriage, divorce, etc.), you may need to change your residence status. Continuing to reside in Japan with an inappropriate residence status carries the risk of non-renewal or revocation.
(3) Prepare Required Documents Early
Renewal or change of residence status requires numerous documents. Some documents must be obtained from your home country, so it is important to allow ample preparation time.
(4) Consult a Specialist
As the system is changing, please consult a specialist if you have any concerns. Proceeding with procedures based on your own judgment can lead to unexpected problems.
5. Toward a Cohesive Society: What We Can Do
The new basic plan contains a clear message: “We welcome and support foreign nationals who reside legally and contribute to society.” At the same time, it conveys the stance that “strict measures will be taken against those who do not follow the rules.”
For companies, foreign workers are now indispensable. As labor shortages become more severe, securing and retaining talented foreign workers is key to corporate growth strategies.
To achieve this, companies must not only comply with laws and regulations but also create work environments where foreign employees feel secure and provide support for their daily lives.
For foreign residents, proper management of residence status, compliance with rules, and seeking appropriate support when needed are essential for continuing to live in Japan with peace of mind.
We provide specialized support to help both companies and foreign residents proceed with procedures confidently. Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding visa applications and residence status matters.
6. Conclusion
The announcement of the “Second Basic Plan for Immigration Control and Residence Management” marks an important turning point in the direction of Japan’s immigration policy.
For Companies:
- Thoroughly manage the residence status of foreign employees
- Prepare to respond to new systems such as JESTA
- Establish internal systems to realize a cohesive society
For Foreign Residents:
- Check your residence period and begin renewal preparations early
- Confirm that your residence status aligns with your life circumstances
- Consult a specialist if you have any concerns
As the system changes, accurate information and proper procedures are the keys to living and working in Japan with peace of mind.
We will continue to provide support so that everyone can continue their lives in Japan with confidence.
Source
Yahoo! News (TV Asahi ANN)
“Basic Policy on Immigration Announced: Immigration Services Agency Tightens Enforcement”
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/944319de119b97685394a2d6fd2f9736b24d9c44
