KUALA LUMPUR - The Japanese government is set to finalize a basic policy on foreign nationals soon, including stricter screening for residency status and tougher requirements for acquiring Japanese nationality.

The plans to convene a meeting of relevant cabinet ministers at the Prime Minister’s Office on January 23 to approve and release the policy.

The core of the policy is to tighten requirements for obtaining residency status. 

The government is considering introducing a Japanese-language proficiency requirement for permanent residency and extending the minimum residency period for naturalization from 5 to 10 years. 

It also plans to share information on unpaid medical bills and taxes with immigration authorities and deny residency renewals in such cases.

On land acquisition restrictions, the government remains cautious due to concerns about international law. 

Instead, it plans to introduce a system in fiscal 2026 requiring individuals to disclose their nationality when purchasing real estate.

At the same time, the government is considering measures to promote social integration, including programs to help foreign residents learn Japanese and social customs, amid concerns that existing efforts rely too heavily on local governments and volunteers.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to dissolve the House of Representatives at the start of the ordinary Diet session convening on January 23. 

The move is aimed at highlighting one of her administration’s flagship policies ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election.