Panel chair Hayashi Reiko, director-general of the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, handed a set of proposals on Wednesday to the minister in charge of policies on foreign nationals, Onoda Kimi.
The panel says any actions that deviate from social norms should be dealt with strictly and impartially, regardless of nationality.
It points out the need to upgrade the country’s various systems that have not been able to catch up with a surge in the number of foreign residents.
The panel also says foreigners have limited opportunities to learn the Japanese language and customs before or immediately after they enter the country.
It calls on the government to set up an education program and consider making participation mandatory to qualify for mid- or long-term residency in Japan.
On property acquisition by foreigners, the panel urges the government to sort out national security concerns, closely analyze facts that could be the basis for necessary legislation, and sufficiently consider the balance between regulation and freedom of economic activity.
The government plans to sum up its basic ideas on policies regarding foreign nationals, based on the panel’s proposals and discussions in the ruling bloc.
