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Japan’s LDP: Permanent Residency On The Line If Taxes Go Unpaid
Legal hassles used to be the only exit threat for foreign residents in Japan. Not anymore — now unsettled bills could be their ticket out.
Japan, a tourist favorite, has become the ultimate spot for many immigrants to lay down roots. Yet, fitting in poses challenges, with some depicting foreigners as chronic rule-breakers. The sudden warning from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) adds fuel to this fire. Under a new proposal, unpaid taxes might become grounds for booting out Japan’s permanent residents.
A New Entry On Permanent Residency Rules
Under Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s lead, the cabinet is weighing a new amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. The proposed change reshapes permanent residency criteria, adding tax compliance and paying one’s health insurance premiums as a make-or-break factor. In a nutshell: pay your dues on time, secure your status; fall short, risk revocation.
Article 22–4 of the Immigration Act is the legal guide for special status revocation, detailing situations where foreigners risk losing their unique standing. Conditions span from false residence declarations and illegal entry to document forgery and halting residency-motivating activities without valid reasons or…