Japan's immigration framework is facing significant scrutiny as lawmakers propose stricter regulations while authorities crack down on visa fraud, developments that could reshape the landscape for foreign residents in the coming months. On January 22, 2025, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) submitted comprehensive policy recommendations to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressing foreign resident policies, according to NHK. The proposals include stricter requirements for obtaining Japanese citizenship and establishing new legal frameworks governing foreign nationals' real estate acquisitions. These recommendations signal a potential shift toward more restrictive immigration policies that could affect long-term residents considering naturalization or property investment. The citizenship proposal comes amid broader debates about integration and national security. While specific details of the proposed stricter requirements have not been disclosed, foreign residents on paths to naturalization should monitor developments closely, as changes could affect application timelines and eligibility criteria. Currently, naturalization requires five years of continuous residence, stable income, good conduct, and Japanese language proficiency, among other conditions. The real estate component addresses growing concerns about foreign property ownership, particularly regarding land near sensitive facilities. Any new legal framework could introduce additional documentation requirements, approval processes, or restrictions on property types and locations available to non-citizens. Foreign residents considering property purchases may want to consult legal experts before new regulations take effect. Simultaneously, immigration authorities are intensifying enforcement against visa fraud. Also on January 22, police arrested two executives from a support company involved in Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (tokutei gino) visa program, according to NHK. The executives allegedly submitted false applications to obtain certificates of eligibility for two Chinese nationals, facilitating their illegal entry into Japan. The Specified Skilled Worker program, launched in 2019, allows foreign workers with specialized skills to fill labor shortages in 14 designated sectors including construction, agriculture, and nursing care. The program relies on registered support organizations to assist foreign workers with housing, language training, and administrative procedures. This arrest highlights vulnerabilities in the system and suggests authorities are scrutinizing these intermediary organizations more carefully. For foreign residents, this enforcement action underscores the importance of working with reputable immigration advisors and support organizations. The incident may also prompt stricter oversight of registered support organizations, potentially affecting processing times and documentation requirements for legitimate applicants. These parallel developments—policy proposals and fraud enforcement—reflect Japan's ongoing struggle to balance labor market needs with immigration control. Japan faces severe demographic challenges, with a shrinking workforce and aging population creating critical labor shortages. The Specified Skilled Worker program and other visa categories aim to address these gaps while maintaining immigration oversight. However, recent incidents of visa fraud and political pressure for stricter controls suggest the pendulum may swing toward more restrictive policies. Foreign residents should prepare for potential changes by ensuring their visa status remains compliant, maintaining thorough documentation, and staying informed about policy developments. The LDP's proposals remain recommendations at this stage and require legislative action to become law. The process could take months or longer, providing time for public comment and revision. However, given the LDP's political influence, these proposals warrant serious attention from the foreign resident community. Experts recommend that foreign residents considering naturalization, property purchases, or visa renewals consult qualified immigration lawyers to understand how potential policy changes might affect their situations. Those currently using support organizations for visa matters should verify their registration status with the Immigration Services Agency. As Japan continues refining its approach to immigration, foreign residents must remain vigilant and proactive in managing their legal status and long-term plans in the country.