May 9, 2024

Japanese Communist Party representative Motomura Nobuko at a meeting of the Lower House Committee on Judicial Affairs on May 8 opposed a proposed stipulation, which would revoke “permanent resident” status of foreigners if they are in arrears with their taxes and social insurance premiums, to be added to the Immigration Control Act.

She demanded that the proposed amendment to the law be withdrawn.

Maruyama Hideharu of the Immigration Control Agency’s Immigration Department told Motomura that unpaid taxes and social insurance premiums had been found in 235 applications out of the 1,825 applications examined between January 2023 and June 2023 for permanent residence permits for children of foreign residents.

Motomura asked, “What is the reason for each individual’s nonpayment?”

Maruyama answered, “We do not investigate the circumstances and reasons for nonpayment of taxes and public dues,” adding that he did not even know if a tax notice had been sent or a demand to pay taxes had been issued.

Motomura pointed out, “Depriving foreign residents of their permanent residency status without knowing their specific circumstances may violate their fundamental human rights.”

She questioned what discussions had led to the inclusion of the controversial stipulation in the law, and demanded that the minutes of the discussions be disclosed. She said, “When it comes to human rights, hearing from foreign residents and their participation in policymaking are necessary.”

Past related article:
> Motomura opposes revocation of permanent resident status of foreign residents who accidentally fail to pay taxes [April 17, 202]