Japan Needs More Foreign Workers, But Many Feel Unwelcome

Japan Needs More Foreign Workers, But Many Feel Unwelcome

Nepali Worker Shares Frustration Over Visa Costs

Tempatdonasi.com – In late May, Japan’s government enacted a bill significantly altering the cost of visa extensions and residency status changes. The new policy raises the maximum fee from 10,000 yen to 100,000 yen by March 2027, a tenfold increase. For Srijana Sunar, a 29-year-old Nepali factory worker, this change has made her feel the strain of the policy. “I was shocked. It is too much to pay 100,000 yen every three years to renew my visa,” she told DW. Her monthly salary of 145,000 yen—equivalent to around $900 or €790—has not been enough to offset the rising costs, she said.

“We are not newcomers. We have proper visa status, we follow the rules, and we pay taxes, but our freedom to choose jobs and working conditions is very limited,” said Spandan Sunar, Srijana’s husband, who has worked in Japan since 2016. He currently works for a transportation company and a Japanese language school, yet the new fees have created a financial barrier for the couple.

Spandan and Srijana, married in 2022, hope to apply for permanent residency. However, the increased cost of the permit—now capped at 300,000 yen—poses a significant challenge. Most applicants require an annual income exceeding 3 million yen to qualify, a standard that many foreign workers, including Srijana, find difficult to meet. “We’ve invested years into building a life here, but the financial demands are becoming overwhelming,” Spandan remarked.

Demographic Decline and the Role of Foreign Labor

Japan’s population continues to shrink, with national statistics showing a decline of 941,000 people as of April 2025. The country’s native population stood at 119.7 million, according to the Statistics Bureau. Meanwhile, the number of foreign residents has been rising steadily, offsetting about 40% of the population loss. By the end of 2025, approximately 4.125 million foreigners lived in Japan, a growth of over 356,000 from the previous year.

Toshihiro Menju, an immigration policy expert, emphasized the critical role of foreign workers in maintaining Japan’s social and economic systems. “Foreign labor is essential. Without them, society would struggle to function,” Menju stated in a conversation with DW. He noted that the current reliance on foreign workers spans from highly skilled professionals to essential roles in caregiving and manufacturing. “The people who support the fundamental infrastructure of society are declining, but the demand for their services is growing,” he added.

Policy Shifts and Naturalization Requirements

In January, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration approved a package of stricter immigration measures aimed at managing the influx of foreign residents. The initiative, titled “Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals,” follows the establishment of the “Headquarters for Foreign Nationals Policy” in November 2025. This framework seeks to balance the needs of the labor market with public concerns about cultural integration.

Takashi Yamashita, a Liberal Democratic Party legislator and member of the project team under the Headquarters, explained the rationale behind the changes. “Many of our systems were not designed with the large number of foreign visitors and residents in mind,” he said. “We will support those who use the system correctly, while addressing misuse, overuse, and abuse.” Yamashita also highlighted the goal of fostering an environment where legal immigrants can contribute meaningfully to society without fear of exploitation.

“We draw a clear line between those who follow the rules and those who do not. Our aim is to eliminate public perceptions of unfairness,” Yamashita added.

Public Sentiment and Policy Challenges

Despite the necessity of foreign labor, public sentiment toward immigrants in Japan has grown more negative in recent months. A Nikkei mail-in opinion poll conducted between October and December 2025 revealed that 37% of respondents believed the rising number of foreigners was a problem. This concern has driven the government to implement stricter policies, even as the labor shortage persists.

Yanika Roongpairoj, a 35-year-old Thai researcher at Chiba University Hospital near Tokyo, noted how the new regulations have affected her long-term plans. “I’ve built a solid career in clinical pharmacy, and my visa applications have always been smooth. But these policy changes have made me question whether I should stay in Japan permanently,” she said. Although she earned her Ph.D. in 2024, the financial and administrative hurdles now seem more daunting than before.

Striking a Balance Between Needs and Concerns

Menju argued that Japan’s immigration policies must adapt to the realities of an aging population and shrinking workforce. “It is impossible to fully address labor shortages through women’s participation or automation alone,” he said. The expert pointed to the growing diversity of foreign workers, from construction laborers to healthcare professionals, as evidence of the country’s evolving labor market.

Yet, the policy adjustments have sparked debate among both supporters and critics. While some view the changes as necessary to ensure fair treatment of residents, others fear they may deter potential immigrants. Yamashita acknowledged this dilemma, stating, “We must create a system that is both inclusive and sustainable. This means setting clear standards for residency and employment.”

Long-Term Implications for Foreign Workers

For families like Srijana and Spandan’s, the policy shifts represent a growing challenge. Their struggle to afford visa renewals and permanent residency fees reflects a broader issue: the financial burden on foreign workers who contribute to Japan’s economy. “We work hard, pay taxes, and support local communities, but our ability to plan for the future is being tested,” Spandan said.

Menju warned that without a more flexible approach, Japan risks alienating the very workforce it depends on. “The current policies are creating barriers that could discourage long-term migration. This is a problem if we want to maintain a steady supply of labor across all sectors,” he cautioned. The expert also called for greater public awareness campaigns to highlight the value of foreign workers, especially in aging industries like healthcare and caregiving.

As the debate over immigration continues, the stories of workers like Srijana and Yanika underscore the human cost of policy adjustments. While Japan’s population decline necessitates a larger influx of foreign labor, the rising costs and restrictions may push some to reconsider their commitment to the country. The question remains: can Japan’s immigration reforms achieve the balance between economic growth and social acceptance, or will they inadvertently drive away the workers who keep the nation running?