Majority Back Higher Fees for Foreign Residents in Japan: Jiji Poll

Tokyo, July 16 (Jiji Press)–The majority of respondents to a Jiji Press poll held this month have expressed support for the Japanese government’s plan to sharply raise fees for residence procedures for foreign nationals. Support stood at 56.0 pct, far exceeding the 20.8 pct opposed to the plan, while 23.2 pct said they were unsure or declined to take a position, according to the survey results announced Thursday. The fee increases, which form part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s policy on foreign nationals, are included in the revised immigration control and refugee recognition law enacted in May. Fees for changing or renewing residence status will rise from a flat 6,000 yen to a range of 10,000 yen to 75,000 yen, while the fee for permanent residence applications will jump from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. The government plans to implement the changes in October. The survey was conducted through interviews with 2,000 people aged 18 or older nationwide from Friday through Monday. Valid responses were received from 57.1 pct. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]