Japan is mulling over a possible review of welfare programs aimed at supporting the livelihood of its foreign residents. This move has arisen following ongoing discussions regarding the necessity and the impact of these welfare programs. The timeline, specific changes being contemplated, and the legislation processes to implement these changes have not been specified in the headline.
The Japanese government's support for foreign residents is primarily oriented on providing them with a decent living standard. Moreover, the protection and welfare of these residents notably align with the country's values of respect and inclusivity. However, given the economic constraints and rising national fiscal deficit, discussions over efficiency of these programs have surged, striking a balance between budget consideration and societal inclusivity.
Similar to Japan, countries in the EU and US provide welfare support for their foreign residents as well. However, in the US, there's a more stringent income and assets test along with sponsorship agreements for immigrants to receive benefits. Meanwhile, in the EU, the approach depends on the specific country but generally, there's a focus on integration and support services.