Japan is implementing stricter rules for permanent residency, requiring higher household income, Japanese-language proficiency, and a 30-year pension equivalent. The changes, effective from October, will be applied retroactively to applications submitted since April. Abdul, a tech engineer from Bangladesh, and Sarah Nelkin, an American entertainment professional, are among long-term residents fearing rejection.

Both are preparing for potential departure or citizenship applications, which would require giving up their original nationalities. The policy shift reflects a move toward a "selective and conditional" immigration approach, despite Japan's labor shortages and shrinking population. As of 2025, Japan's foreign resident population reached a record 4.12 million, about 3% of the total.