Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Rules, Fees Jump 20-Fold

The Japanese government has significantly tightened requirements for issuing permanent residency to foreigners and raised related fees by up to 20 times, despite severe labor shortages. This move is interpreted as a political gesture to appease anti-immigration sentiments spreading among conservative right-wing groups within the country. However, some critics argue that the policy is contradictory and isolationist, as attracting foreign talent is essential to address the population decline crisi