The Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), Japan's leading economic organization, released a policy proposal titled "Immigration Policy Innovation" on February 15, 2022. In this proposal, Keidanren emphasized the importance of actively attracting foreign talent and creating an environment where they can successfully settle into Japanese society.

Keidanren's 2030 vision is as follows: - A society where diverse talents, including foreigners, can maximize their potential - Fostering social integration and international solidarity based on openness to diverse values and cultures - Achieving robust economic growth and sustainable development through collaboration between businesses, local communities, and foreign workers

To realize this vision, Keidanren proposed the following three key points.

1. Shift in policy from 'acceptance' to 'strategic attraction' of foreign workers Japan needs to move beyond simply accepting foreign workers and actively attract them based on their skills and potential.

2. Promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I) Japan must respect the human rights of foreign workers and create an inclusive culture to foster a welcoming atmosphere for them.

3. Developing comprehensive policies to support the entire life cycle of foreign workers It is necessary to develop support policies for all stages, from entry to settlement, employment, and family life, for foreign workers.

To this end, Keidanren has proposed the following specific policy measures.

• Simplifying visa and residence permit application procedures
• Strengthening the use of data for efficient and transparent immigration management
• Improving accessibility to communication and information through digital technology
• Strengthening human rights protection for foreign workers
• Improving the foreign professional certification system
• Supporting the integration of foreign workers into local communities
• Promoting Japanese language education and cultural understanding
• Easing permanent residency requirements for high-skilled foreign talent

Keidanren's proposal stems from the recognition that attracting and retaining outstanding foreign talent is crucial for Japan's economic prosperity and social well-being. By implementing the measures recommended in this proposal, Japan can create a competitive and inclusive society that attracts talent and benefits from their contributions from around the world.