On June 14, 2024, Japan took a significant step in reforming its immigration policies. A proposed amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act of 1990—commonly known as the Immigration Law—was passed by the House of Councillors. The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, supported by opposition parties such as the Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People, backed the amendment. Its central goal: replace the controversial Technical Intern Training Program with a new framework called the Training Work Program to recruit foreign labor.
For decades, Japan has maintained a “side-door” approach to labor migration. While officially denying the acceptance of unskilled foreign workers, the government allowed Nikkeijin (Japanese descendants) and technical interns to work in manual labor under alternative classifications, such as family reunification or vocational training.
This amendment marks the first time in 34 years that Japan has adopted a “front-door” policy to openly recruit unskilled migrant workers. However, the reform also introduced stricter regulations on permanent residency, sparking concern among human rights advocates. While they raised issues with the Training Work Program, their primary protest was against new criteria for revoking permanent residency. Activists staged daily demonstrations outside the National Diet in response to these measures.
Balancing Labor Needs and Immigration Controls
The LDP government’s approach to immigration has long been complex. Historically, the party opposed policies that would grant significant rights to migrants, especially unskilled workers. It wasn’t until Japan’s labor shortages became acute in the 2010s that the party began to consider policies allowing for broader immigration. Even so, far-right factions within the LDP resisted policies that could lead to permanent residency for blue-collar workers.
In 2018, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe clarified the government’s restrictive stance on immigration, stating, “The government has no intention to promote a so-called immigration policy.” The administration’s opposition to granting green cards at the time of entry underscored its cautious approach.
This reluctance was evident in the measures introduced in the 2024 amendment, which established stricter pathways and controls for permanent residency.
A Three-Tiered Path to Residency
Under the new framework, migrant workers must navigate a merit-based system to obtain permanent residency:
- Training Work Program: Workers must pass an initial examination within three years.
- Specified Skilled Worker 1: Over a five-year period, workers must pass a second exam.
- Specified Skilled Worker 2: After five additional years of work, they may apply for permanent residency.
The amendment also grants the government authority to revoke permanent residency from individuals who fail to meet tax or social insurance obligations or who are convicted of certain crimes. This provision is notably stricter than similar policies in South Korea and Taiwan, where permanent residency is only revoked for severe legal violations.
Tightening Regulations: A Longstanding Agenda
While some viewed the new revocation clauses as a hasty addition, they align with the LDP’s long-term stance. In 2022, a Cabinet document titled “Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals” emphasized the need for stricter oversight of permanent residents.
This approach reflects the LDP’s belief that while expanding opportunities for permanent residency, controls must also be tightened to ensure compliance with societal standards. As one LDP lawmaker stated, “When the number of permanent residents increases, we also need to tighten control of their status because not all of them are good people.”
Looking Ahead
Japan’s new immigration amendment represents a dual approach: opening pathways for foreign labor to address labor shortages while imposing stricter regulations to control who can settle permanently. This balancing act reflects broader tensions within Japanese society about immigration and the role of foreign workers in the country’s future.
