Japan moves to tighten rules for foreigners, throwing futures into doubt

Japan is implementing stricter requirements for foreign permanent residency starting October 1, including higher income thresholds, demonstrated Japanese-language proficiency, and proof of a substantial pension pot, prompting long-term foreign residents like tech engineer Abdul and entertainment industry worker Sarah Nelkin to reconsider their futures in the country. The new rules, which will be applied retroactively to applications submitted since April, reflect the government's emphasis on foreigners being "self-sufficient" and not becoming a financial burden, amid cooling public sentiment toward immigrants.