Japan has announced a fivefold increase in visa application fees, the first such rise since 1978, marking a significant tightening of its immigration policy. The move, effective from next month, will see the cost of a standard tourist visa rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 (approximately £80 to £400). Long-term residency and work visas will also see proportional increases.
Analysts interpret the hike as part of a broader strategy to curb low-skilled migration and manage overtourism, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 Osaka World Expo. Japan's ageing population and labour shortages have long necessitated foreign workers, but the government has faced domestic pressure to prioritise skilled migrants and limit numbers from certain regions.
The decision ends a 46-year period during which Japan had not altered its visa fees, reflecting the country's cautious approach to immigration reform. By contrast, the United Kingdom has reaffirmed its status as a hub for global talent, with streamlined visa routes for innovators, graduates, and health professionals. The UK's Global Talent visa and High Potential Individual visa have attracted record numbers of applicants, positioning London as a competitive alternative to increasingly restrictive Asian economies.
Immigration experts note the divergence: Japan's fee hike may deter short-term visitors and lower-skilled workers, while the UK's maintained affordability signals a commitment to soft power and economic dynamism. However, both nations face common challenges: balancing border integrity with skills shortages, and responding to geopolitical shifts that are reshaping migration corridors.
The fee increase is likely to affect demand for Japanese visas from Southeast Asia and South Asia, regions that provide a substantial share of tourists and workers. The UK, with its higher cost of living and housing pressures, remains an attractive but expensive destination. Yet, the absence of prohibitive visa fees bolsters its competitive advantage.
Sienna West reports.
