Preferential Policy For Skilled Foreigners May Be Expanded

TOKYO (Nikkei)--The government will consider increasing the incentives now granted to highly skilled foreign professionals such as doctors and lawyers to encourage more to come and stay in Japan.

Under the existing system launched last May, the Justice Ministry assigns points to highly skilled foreigners based on such factors as educational attainment, professional experience and research performance.

Individuals with points above a certain threshold are recognized as "highly skilled foreign professionals." These individuals are granted preferential immigration treatment, including relaxed requirements for permanent residency and work permission for a spouse.

The Justice Ministry will analyze the program's results around May, when the policy marks its first full year. Pending the results, it may consider loosening income requirements for a foreign skilled professional seeking to bring a parent or domestic servant to Japan.

A decision is expected this fall.

"For Japan to continue flourishing, we must welcome highly skilled foreign professionals," said Justice Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki.

(The Nikkei, March 11 morning edition)

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