Amid accelerating labor shortages, foreign workers are indispensable for sustaining society, yet concerns have arisen from some law-breaking acts. Last month, the government adopted a new basic policy on foreign nationals, aiming for coexistence while strengthening regulations. During the upcoming House of Representatives election campaign, ruling and opposition parties must engage in constructive discussions.
Japan faces accelerating labor shortages, making foreign workers essential for societal maintenance. While most live decently, frictions have emerged with their growing numbers. Last month, the government finalized a new basic policy package on foreign nationals, continuing efforts toward coexistence but notably emphasizing stricter regulations to address public concerns and feelings of unfairness from acts deviating from laws and rules.
Key measures include intensifying investigations into foreign nationals failing to pay taxes or social insurance premiums, as well as illegal workers. The government also plans to consider expanding deportation charges beyond violent crimes like murder and drug offenses. Strengthening actions against fraud and crimes to ensure adherence to social rules differs from xenophobia and is seen as reasonable to alleviate public worries.
The package further intends to organize thoughts by summer on regulating foreign acquisition of land critical to national security, such as areas around Self-Defense Force facilities. Japan joined a 1995 international free trade agreement prohibiting unfair restrictions on foreign companies acquiring land for purposes like branch offices, so any measures risk violating it and require careful consideration.
In campaigning for the House of Representatives election, calls for tighter regulations are prominent, with candidates stating things like “Let good foreigners in and bad foreigners out” and noting that “Speculative transactions have driven up condominium prices.” This stems from awareness of the Sanseito party's significant gains in last summer's House of Councillors election, where it advocated stricter controls. However, channeling frustrations from rising prices and daily life issues toward foreign nationals is imprudent. Advocates for a multicultural society exist, but mere coexistence rhetoric cannot resolve problems from the growing foreign population. Notably, the central government promotes acceptance while leaving language and customs education to local governments, creating imbalances. Ruling and opposition parties should discuss from multiple angles, including mid- to long-term plans for the number of foreign residents to accept.
