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(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura

Date: Thursday, May 1, 2008, 1:31 p.m.
Place: In front of the Foreign Minister's Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

1. Introducing Incentives to Acquire Japanese-language Proficiency for Foreign Nationals Seeking Long-term Residency Permits
2. Visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura

1. Introducing Incentives to Acquire Japanese-language Proficiency for Foreign Nationals Seeking Long-term Residency Permits

Minister:
Since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice have been conducting intensive studies on giving more weight to Japanese-language proficiency in the examination of entry and long-term residency permits procedures. Today, I would like to introduce an outline of an interim report on how that is proceeding. I will underscore that in introducing incentives to acquire Japanese-language proficiency, our focus is on deregulation to promote the exchange of people and not on strengthening regulation to exclude foreign nationals. It is absolutely not the case that foreign nationals who until now were granted entry and residency permits will no longer be granted those permits because they do not have a proficiency in Japanese. Our approach is to give even greater favorable treatment to those who have a reasonable level of proficiency in Japanese.

In the preparation for a new residence management system, the Ministry of Justice is giving consideration to extending the maximum period of stay from the current three years to five years. It is expected in this new system that they are considering giving more weight to Japanese-language proficiency in the examination of entry and long-term residency permits procedures so that those who have a reasonable proficiency in Japanese will be granted a five-year period of stay as favorable treatment. However, this does not mean that otherwise a three-year period of stay hitherto available will no longer be granted due to the lack of a Japanese proficiency. Furthermore, if other conditions are met, a five-year period of stay may be granted even for a foreign national who does not have a proficiency in Japanese. Currently, the joint study between the two ministries has been pushed forward in that direction.

Another point I would like to mention is that it has already been clearly announced that foreign human resources in a professional field that requires a command of the Japanese language such as flight attendants on international airlines will be granted entry and residency permits in a more flexible manner. The current study work which I have mentioned is focused on further announcing the same kind of jobs as the target of this measure.

Question:
Has any decision been made on how Japanese-language proficiency is to be measured?

Minister:
That is currently being studied. From my personal perspective, I feel as if objective testing could be appropriate for openness, transparency and fairness. There are various views on that matter, so we are now probing into the details of each possibility.

Question:
How many people do you imagine will benefit from this system?

Minister:
We still do not know, but at least there will be two additional incentives to study Japanese. First of all, foreign residents who are already in Japan will be motivated to intensively study the Japanese language so that they can enjoy a longer term of period of stay in Japan and a better life in Japanese society. Secondly, those who would like to come to Japan will be motivated to study Japanese as one way of gaining favorable treatment in entry and residency permits procedures. These are the two incentives that the system will offer, as I have just said; one for those who are already in Japan and another for young people who would like to come to Japan. As such, we do not think it is crucial to know how many people will benefit at the current stage.

Question:
About when are you thinking of introducing this system?

Minister:
Regarding when this system may be introduced, what has been confirmed so far is that we will still continue studying this matter for the time being. At this stage we are seeking for consideration of both our initiatives and a possible new residence management system which the Ministry of Justice is currently preparing through revising the Immigration Control Act. Although I am not in a position to state this clearly, it is conceivable that some bill will be submitted for consideration at the next ordinary session of the Diet.

2. Visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura

Question:
I understand that you will visit Pakistan tomorrow. From your perspective as Foreign Minister, can you describe simply what the goal is of this trip?

Minister:
Pakistan is making steady progress toward democratization, but at the same time it stands on the frontlines in the fight against terrorism. Certain points of vulnerability are seen within the country while it makes progress toward democratization. Given this circumstance, I want to send a message encouraging Pakistan to keep up the fight against terrorism on the frontline and, at the same time, continue to push democratization forward. For its part, Japan will provide necessary assistance to ensure that the process of democratization will continue without being hindered by the current vulnerability. This is what I intend to convey to Pakistan. That is the message I have in mind.

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