Foreign workers feel the heat as Japan hardens nationalist stance

Asia / Pacific

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Issued on: 10/07/2026 - 13:57

12:01 min

From the show

Reading time

1 min

On this week's edition of Access Asia, we bring you a report from Japan, where visa fees have been increased for foreign nationals applying for permanent residency. The government is also considering introducing a language requirement. While Japan needs foreign workers to help offset an ageing population and a declining birth rate, the nationalist government has continued to tighten its immigration policies.

We also bring you a report on how Chinese factories producing air conditioners have become beneficiaries of Europe’s increasingly frequent heatwaves.

And temples in India turn to robotic elephants for religious ceremonies, easing animal welfare concerns.

By:

Claire HOPES

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