00:02Japan has toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency on Thursday,
00:09as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takashi's push to tighten immigration controls.
00:14Under new rules that will come into effect in stages,
00:17foreign residents wishing to stay in Japan permanently
00:20will have to prove their annual income is above average
00:23and they can carry casual conversations in Japanese.
00:26Application fees are set to rise 20-fold from Thursday.
00:30Even though Japan has a rapidly aging population and is suffering labor shortages in many sectors,
00:37opposition to immigration is growing, prompting a push by Takashi for tighter regulations on foreign nationals.
00:43Programs to attract international workers have fueled public worry and anti-immigration sentiment.
00:49Food's claims have circulated widely on social media,
00:52including that a significant portion of welfare payments in Japan goes to foreigners.
00:57Experts and many business leaders warn, however,
01:00that Japan must welcome more foreign workers to sustain itself.
01:05Not enough for the
01:06Ashes for the
01:06L paying as well as
01:06It's only a profit
01:06We
01:06We
01:06We
