„Erhöhung der Gebühren für Aufenthaltsprüfungen ist Schikane und Hass“ – Demonstration vor dem japanischen Parlament; Kritik richtete sich auch an die Einwanderungsbehörde wegen mangelnder Rücksprache mit Ausländern

The recent news about the drastic increase in residency fees is disheartening. It sends a clear message to the international community: foreign workers are needed for their labor, but not necessarily welcomed as part of the society.

Japan is currently struggling with a shrinking workforce. Placing an extra financial burden on those who chose to build their lives here will likely lead to an „exodus“ of skilled workers to friendlier markets.

If this trend continues, the labor crisis – which is already causing business failures – will only get worse. Japan needs a sustainable policy for coexistence, not one that treats foreign residents as a revenue source.