JAPAN ATTRACTS FOREIGN TALENTS WITH EASIER NEW RESIDENCY REGULATIONS

The Japanese government is considering allowing graduates of the world's top universities to stay in Japan for two years to find jobs, a significant increase from the current 90-day period.

This is one of the proposals to amend the residence policy for foreigners in the context that Japan is looking to attract skilled employees to work in the country.  The new regulations are expected to go into effect in early February after being approved by the relevant ministers.

The goal of this proposal is to make it easier for graduates of top universities abroad to work for Japanese companies.  Graduates will have to come from universities that are in two to three of the top 100 lists ranked by UK and Chinese institutions.  Eligible persons will be allowed to work during their stay including paid internships and their families can also live in Japan.

Currently, graduates of foreign universities can only stay in Japan for 90 days to look for jobs.

The proposed second change is to expand the definition of professionals under residency regulations.  There are three types of professionals: researchers, engineers and business managers.  Under the new proposal, researchers and engineers will be eligible for residency if they hold a master's degree or higher and earn at least 20 million yen ($154,000) a year, or have worked for 10 years or more and earn at least 20 million yen per year.  Business managers will need to have 5 years or more of work experience and an annual salary of at least 40 million yen.

Currently, a person who is granted residency in Japan under the professional category must achieve sufficient scores in categories such as work experience, research achievements and Japanese language ability.  It takes 3 years for a person to become a permanent resident, and this time will be shortened to 1 year under the new proposal.  These professionals will be allowed to hire two housemaids instead of one now, and their spouses will have more full-time job options.

JAPAN ATTRACTS FOREIGN TALENTS WITH EASIER NEW RESIDENCY REGULATIONS

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