Staff Correspondent, Dhaka:
Japan’s decision to tighten its business manager visa requirements highlights a growing policy dilemma: how to address public concerns over immigration while sustaining an economy increasingly dependent on foreign workers and entrepreneurs. The new regulations, introduced by the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, reflect a broader shift toward stricter immigration oversight even as the country faces acute demographic and labor challenges.
For years, Japan has cautiously opened selected pathways for foreign workers and investors to offset the effects of a rapidly ageing population and declining birth rate. The business manager visa was one such route, attracting entrepreneurs willing to establish businesses and create jobs. However, authorities argue that the program increasingly became a vehicle for individuals seeking residency rather than genuine business development.
The most significant change is the sharp increase in the minimum capital requirement—from 5 million yen to 30 million yen—alongside stricter compliance and employment conditions. While policymakers view these measures as necessary to prevent abuse, critics warn that they disproportionately affect small business owners who have already established roots in Japanese society.
The impact is particularly visible in multicultural business districts such as Tokyo’s Okubo area, where restaurants and small enterprises run by Nepalese, Bangladeshi, Indian and other foreign entrepreneurs contribute to local economic activity. Many now fear that meeting the new financial and administrative requirements will be difficult despite operating legitimate businesses.
The policy shift comes amid a changing political climate. Immigration emerged as a contentious issue during recent elections, while concerns over overtourism, rising property prices and social integration have gained prominence. The government’s “zero illegal foreign residents” strategy reflects efforts to respond to these concerns and strengthen public confidence in immigration management.
Yet the tougher stance also exposes a contradiction at the heart of Japan’s economic strategy. Labor shortages persist across sectors ranging from hospitality and construction to healthcare and logistics. Requiring foreign entrepreneurs to hire Japanese or long-term resident workers may prove challenging in a labour market already struggling to fill vacancies.
For Bangladesh, the development warrants attention. A growing number of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and skilled migrants have viewed Japan as a promising destination for business and employment opportunities. Stricter visa requirements could reduce accessibility for future applicants and create uncertainty for existing business owners.
Ultimately, Japan’s challenge is not simply controlling immigration but balancing economic necessity with political pressures. How effectively it manages that balance will shape both its demographic future and its attractiveness as a destination for global talent and investment.
