LDP to Call for Nationalizing Remote Isles with Unknown Ownership

Tokyo, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to call on the government to consider nationalizing remote islands whose ownership is unclear, it was learned Tuesday. An outline of a draft set of proposals on measures regarding foreigners to be submitted to Prime Minister and LDP President Sanae Takaichi as early as Thursday also says that the party will call for stricter action against foreigners who work illegally in Japan by using forged resident cards. These measures will be part of the LDP’s policy pledges for the Feb. 8 election for the House of Representatives, the all-important lower chamber of the Diet, Japan’s parliament. The purposes of land acquisitions by foreigners are sometimes unclear, while some say that real estate prices have surged due to property purchases by foreigners for speculation. “Problems are becoming evident in various aspects of social life following increases in foreign visitors to and residents in Japan,” the outline says, adding that proper order and rules for all people, including foreigners, must be established to further promote the growth and development of Japan’s society and economy. The minimum number of years of residency required for a foreigner to acquire Japanese nationality will be increased from the current five years to 10 years in principle, the same as for permanent residence permit, according to the outline. To combat unpaid medical bills by foreign visitors, the minimum amount of nonpayment that would trigger a stricter immigration screening will be lowered to 10,000 yen from 200,000 yen at present. The LDP will also propose the establishment of programs for foreigners to learn the Japanese language and local rules, and an expansion in aid to local communities that accept foreign residents. The party has been discussing measures regarding foreigners in three areas, including optimization of immigration and residency management and legislation related to land transactions, at a related in-house headquarters established under the party president last November. The government will hold a ministerial meeting on the issue as early as Friday to set the policy direction. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]