IMMIGRATION ALERTS

Japan's "Zero Illegal Foreign Residents Plan" sparks fear among asylum seekers and long-term migrants as expulsions hit record high – 318 deportations in 2025.

Japan to tighten residency rules for intra-company transfers – longer prior employment, higher salary thresholds, stricter role scrutiny coming in 2026.

Foreign employment in Spain hits record high as government prepares mass regularisation drive – 3.2 million non-EU workers, 300,000–800,000 undocumented migrants to benefit.

Japan weighs tighter income requirement for permanent residency in 2026 – ¥4–5 million annual threshold proposed for eijūsha applicants.

Toyota's "Made in Japan" ambition faces reality check: foreign workers may be needed to build 1 in 4 cars by 2030 due to severe labor shortage.

Japan to halt new foreign restaurant worker visas in 2026 as annual quota nears cap – SSW food service category almost exhausted. Hospitality sector faces severe labor shortage.

Japan tightens Engineer & Specialist visa rules from mid-April 2026: Japanese language proficiency (N2/B2 level) now mandatory for many roles.

Top jobs in Japan for foreigners in 2026: highest-paying, most in-demand roles with visa sponsorship opportunities in IT, healthcare, engineering, and hospitality.

Japan e-Visa 2026: Complete guide to Japan's electronic visa system – requirements, fees, processing times, and how to apply online for tourist, business, and other visas.

Japan doubles citizenship residency requirement to 10 years – major crackdown on naturalization starts April 1, 2026. Stricter tax and social insurance screening required.

Foreigners in Japan face stricter ID checks for data-only SIM cards starting April 2026. Passport or residence card now required for all SIM/eSIM purchases.

Japan's Immigration Dilemma in 2026: Population collapse and truck-driver crisis expose labor shortages across all sectors. 500,000+ unfilled positions, SSW visa too slow.

Japan dual pricing debate ignites as record 42.7M tourists fuel overtourism crisis. Expert panel to draft national guidelines for higher foreign visitor fees at attractions, museums, buses.

Japan to Create New Japanese Language Materials for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals in 2026. Tokyo, March 18, 2026  — Japan is taking a bold new step to support its growing foreign workforce. The government will actively help develop specialised Japanese language learning materials  tailored for highly skilled professionals, addressing a critical gap that has left many engineers, IT specialists, designers and interpreters struggling in the workplace despite holding prope

Japan & Taiwan Allow Second Working Holiday Visas from April 2026 – lifetime limit raised from one to two visas. Taiwanese can apply to Japan from April; Japanese to Taiwan now.

Japan Visa Scam Exposed 2026: NHK investigation reveals Vietnamese workers on Engineer visas forced into dishwashing, hotel cleaning. $7,000 broker fees, illegal labour, government cracks down.

Japan's Cabinet approves massive immigration fee hike, raising residence and permanent residency costs up to 30-fold in major 2026 reform.

Step-by-step Japan work visa guide: find sponsored jobs, get your COE, and apply successfully in 2026.

Japan’s new Specified Residence Card merges the Residence and My Number cards into one chip-based ID starting June 14, 2026.

Japan unveils biggest immigration reforms in decades: faster PR for skilled workers, new Engineer visa pledge (March 2026), JESTA pre-travel system (2028) & stronger intern protections. Full guide inside.