Japan will introduce a point-based immigration system to accept more foreigners with professional skills to become residents.

The Justice Ministry will install the new system in April, in line with a government decision made in June 2010.

The new point-system would give preferential treatment to university professors and people working in academic and research, doctors and other professionals with highly specified knowledge or skills. It also favors corporate executives and upper managers. Education, working experience, Japanese language proficiency, annual salaries, and other qualifications of the applicants, will be evaluated by points. Those who satisfy a certain total score will qualify for preferential treatment.

Under the preferential treatment, applicants can apply for permanent residency after living in Japan for 5 years, instead of the usual 10 years. They could also bring their own domestic helpers to Japan, a privilege that is currently allowed for only a handful of people.

About 2,000 people are expected to qualify for preferential treatment each year once the system is in place.

The decision is based on the belief that Japan should actively recruit foreigners with professional skills and knowledge to work in the country to maintain international competitiveness despite the country's rapidly aging population.

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120109_06.html

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