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Podcast Episode

Foreign workers feel the heat as Japan hardens nationalist stance

Access Asia··16 July 2026·12 min

About this episode

On this week's edition of Access Asia, we bring you a report from Japan, where visa fees have been increased for foreign nationals applying for permanent residency. The government is also considering introducing a language requirement. While Japan needs foreign workers to help offset an ageing population and a declining birth rate, the nationalist government has continued to tighten its immigration policies.