Shinjuku Street in Tokyo, Japan [AFP Yonhap News]

The Japanese government, which is strengthening regulations on foreign nationals, will more strictly review the residency status of foreign employees transferred to private companies, the Nikkei Shimbun reported on the 6th.

According to the report, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has begun reviewing the operational guidelines for "Intra-company Transferee," one of the long-term residency statuses.

The Japanese government plans to request and investigate information about the companies where transferees worked abroad before coming to Japan.

Specifically, it is planned to mandate the submission of proof of foreign social insurance enrollment, foreign business registration, and tax status, as well as Japanese business registration and related photographic materials.

Previously, these documents were not separately required from foreign transferees.

Furthermore, if a transferee wishes to extend their period of stay, their compliance with tax-related reporting in Japan will also be assessed. If it is found that the related procedures were inadequate, the transferee's residency status renewal will generally be denied.

Moreover, if a transferee's period of stay exceeds five years, the decision on extension will be made with caution, according to the Nikkei.

The newspaper stated, "There have been indications that 'Intra-company Transferee' is easier to obtain compared to other statuses, such as not having academic requirements," and added, "The government intends to prevent individuals with no prior work history before coming to Japan from staying as transferees by strictly reviewing applications."

As of the end of last year, approximately 20,000 foreign nationals were residing in Japan long-term with "Intra-company Transferee" status.

Japan is generally strengthening regulations related to long-term residency for foreign nationals.

In October of last year, the required capital for foreign entrepreneurs seeking long-term residency under the "Business Manager" status was increased sixfold, and this year, a Japanese language proficiency requirement will be added for foreigners seeking "Permanent Resident" status.