Japan’s foreign resident population hits record 4.3 million

Japan is home to more foreign residents than ever before, with the latest figures setting a new record.

According to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, nearly 4.3 million foreign nationals were living in the country at the end of June this year. The total excludes temporary visitors, reports Sweden Harald.

The number increased by approximately 156,000 within just a few months. Foreign nationals are estimated to account for 3.5 percent of Japan’s total resident population.

Debate over immigration is intensifying in Japan. The country is grappling with a declining population and an ageing society, while the government has introduced stricter requirements for residence permits. At the same time, the nationalist and immigration-sceptical Sanseito party has been gaining public support.

Japanese businesses have urged the government to come up with a comprehensive policy to support foreign residents, AFP said.

Source: Sweden Herald