Japan to mandate language and culture courses for residency, hikes immigration fees

In a move reflecting a growing emphasis on social integration and addressing perceived challenges in cohabitation, the Japanese government is set to implement stricter requirements for foreign residents. Starting from fiscal year 2028, individuals seeking residency will be obligated to complete courses covering the Japanese language, culture, and social norms. This initiative, driven by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), aims to foster smoother integration and mitigate potential friction points between Japanese citizens and the foreign population.

The proposed programs will be tailored to the applicants' countries of origin and age groups, with consideration given to the possibility of completing these courses prior to arrival in Japan. A key element under consideration is ensuring that parents guarantee their children's school attendance while undertaking these mandatory cultural and linguistic courses themselves. This reflects a broader governmental push towards ensuring that foreign residents not only comply with the law but also actively engage with and understand Japanese societal structures.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has publicly stated her commitment to establishing an "orderly inclusive society by taking decisive action against problematic behavior, in order to protect foreigners who behave in accordance with the law." This sentiment underscores a dual approach: encouraging adherence to Japanese norms while also protecting those who do so. Concurrently, the Japanese parliament has passed amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, significantly increasing fees associated with immigration procedures. These increased revenues are intended to fund measures aimed at managing the growing foreign population in Japan, aligning with the government's stated policy of a firmer stance on foreign nationals.

From a Japanese perspective, these measures are seen not as exclusionary, but as necessary steps to maintain social harmony and ensure that the benefits of immigration are realized without undue strain on societal cohesion. While Western media might frame this as restrictive, within Japan, the focus is on creating a more structured and understandable environment for both newcomers and long-term residents. The emphasis is on mutual understanding and adaptation, ensuring that Japan's unique cultural fabric is respected and preserved as the nation navigates demographic changes. The increased fees, while a financial burden, are presented as a necessary investment in the infrastructure and support systems required for successful integration.

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uređeno inkluzivno društvo preduzimajuću odlučne akcije protiv problematičnog ponašanja, kako bi se zaštitili stranci koji se ponašaju u skladu sa zakonom