【Granting “long-term resident” status of residence to Nikkei 4th generation, considering requirements such as Japanese language ability】
In order to increase the acceptance of fourth-generation Japanese descendants living in Central and South America, the government is considering granting “long-term resident” status of residence, which would allow them to stay and work for a long period of time, to fourth-generation Japanese who meet certain requirements, such as Japanese language proficiency.
Public comments will be solicited this fall, with the aim of amending the notification by the end of the year.
The government revised the Immigration and Refugee Act in 1990, when the labor shortage became serious during the bubble period. Second- and third-generation Japanese descendants and their families are now granted long-term resident status. The period of stay is set, but you can continue to stay if you renew.
On the other hand, in 2018, fourth-generation workers were allowed to stay for up to five years under the “Designated Activities” status of residence, and a system was created in which they could learn Japanese language and culture while working. According to the Immigration Services Agency, they expected to accept 4,000 people a year. However, as of the end of 2022, there were only 128 residents.
Under the current system, in principle, you must return to your home country once your period of stay has expired.
▽Unable to bring family along
▽Age limited to 18-30 years old at time of entry
▽The need to secure “accepting supporters” who will provide free living support.
Those have been calls from overseas Nikkei communities to ease the requirements.
【日経４世に「定住者」の在留資格を付与 日本語能力などを要件に検討】
中南米などで暮らす日系4世の受け入れを拡大するため、政府は日本語能力など一定の要件を満たした4世に、長期在留して働ける「定住者」の在留資格を与える方向で検討している。
今秋にもパブリックコメントを募り、年内の告示改正を目指す。
政府は、バブル期で人手不足が深刻化した1990年、入管難民法を改正。日系の2、3世とその家族に対し、定住者の在留資格を与えるようになった。在留期間は定められるが、更新すれば在留し続けられる。
一方、4世については2018年、「特定活動」の在留資格で最長5年の滞在を認め、働きながら日本語や文化を学べる制度を作った。出入国在留管理庁によると、年間4千人の受け入れを見込んでいた。だが、22年末時点の在留者は128人にとどまる。
現行の制度では原則、在留期間が過ぎれば帰国しなければならない
▽家族を帯同できない
▽入国時の年齢が18～30歳に限られている
▽無償で生活支援をしてくれる「受け入れサポーター」の確保が求められる――ことなどから、海外の日系社会から要件の緩和を求める声があがっていた。