Gov't considering Japanese ability as visa requirement for long-term residents

Source: http://www.japantoday.com/jp/news/425041

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Gov't considering Japanese ability as visa requirement for long-term residents

Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 12:11 EST

TOKYO — Japan is considering adding Japanese language requirement for foreign nationals seeking entry visas for long-term residency and when renewing their visas, Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said Tuesday.

Komura cited reasons such as the need for foreigners to be able to speak Japanese to fit into the Japanese society. While he gave no further explanation, the envisioned measure is believed to be aimed at eradicating illegal residency and likely part of antiterrorism policies.
"For foreign people living in Japan to be able to speak Japanese is not only important for improving their own quality of life, but also necessary for the Japanese society as a whole," Komura told a news conference.

"It would be a very good thing if this helps build momentum for learning Japanese language in the respective home countries of foreign people living in Japan," he added.

The minister said the Foreign Ministry and the Justice Ministry will soon begin full-fledged consultations. Work visas are expected to be the main target of the new policy, a Justice Ministry official said.

Japan recently tightened its immigration control and began fingerprinting and photographing all foreign nationals entering Japan from Nov 20, exempting only visitors under age 16, special permanent residents and diplomats.

As of the end of 2006, there were 2.09 million foreigners registered for permanent and non-permanent residency in Japan, including those for work and study.

Among them, Koreans form the largest group at 28.7 percent of all foreigners, followed by a rapidly rising number of Chinese, and Brazilians — many with Japanese ancestry.