Moving Abroad Just Got More Expensive | Learn English with Current Events
- Bri
- Apr 9
- 4 min read
Japan is raising visa fees, and since I live in Japan, it's a perfect topic for today's podcast!
I'll link the original article, but here's a quick summary to catch you up on why moving abroad just got more expensive:
Moving Abroad Just Got More Expensive
The Japanese government is thinking about raising visa fees for foreign nationals. For example, permanent residency fees could increase from ¥10,000 to as high as ¥300,000.
The government says this is because the number of foreign residents is growing quickly, and they need better systems and staff to manage immigration. They also want stricter rules for naturalization (becoming a citizen) and stronger action against people who break laws, such as not paying medical bills.
Some lawmakers believe these changes will help Japan create a more organized and fair system, while others may worry about how it affects foreigners living in Japan.
Vocabulary Breakdown
Eyeing: Looking at something with interest or planning to do it
Example: The company is eyeing a new market in Asia.
Visa: A document that allows you to enter or stay in a country
Example: She applied for a student visa.
Fees: Money you must pay for a service
Example: The school fees are very expensive.
Foreign nationals: People from another country
Example: Many foreign nationals live in Tokyo.
Considering: Thinking about something but not decided yet
Example: They are considering moving to Japan.
Obtain: To get something officially
Example: He worked hard to obtain a work visa.
Permanent residency: Permission to live in a country forever
Example: She hopes to get permanent residency next year.
As high as: Shows the maximum possible amount
Example: Prices can go as high as $500.
Tightening the criteria: Making rules harder to meet
Example: The school is tightening the criteria for admission.
Naturalization: Becoming a citizen of a new country
Example: He applied for naturalization after living there for 10 years.
Residents: People who live in a place
Example: The city has many international residents.
Rapidly: Very fast
Example: The population is growing rapidly.
Argues: Gives reasons for an idea
Example: She argues that the plan will help everyone.
Upgrade: Improve something
Example: The company plans to upgrade its system.
Staff: Workers in a company or organization
Example: The staff are very helpful.
Systems: Organized ways of doing things
Example: The airport uses new systems for security.
Workload: The amount of work to do
Example: His workload increased this year.
Screening: Checking carefully
Example: There is security screening at the airport.
Immigrants: People who move to another country
Example: Many immigrants come for better opportunities.
Robust: Strong and effective
Example: They built a robust system.
Immigration system: Rules for entering and living in a country
Example: The immigration system is changing.
Proposing: Suggesting a plan
Example: The government is proposing new laws.
Residential status: Permission to live in a country
Example: His residential status allows him to work.
Fiscal: Related to the financial year
Example: The fiscal year starts in April.
Renewal: Extending something
Example: Visa renewal can take time.
Extending: Making something last longer
Example: She is extending her stay.
Planned hikes: Planned increases (usually prices)
Example: There are planned hikes in train fares.
Amend: Change a law
Example: The government will amend the rule.
Cap: A limit
Example: There is a cap on spending.
Revised: Changed or updated
Example: The law was revised last year.
Confers: Gives something (like a right)
Example: The award confers special benefits.
Suffrage: The right to vote
Example: Citizens have suffrage in elections.
Consecutive: In a row, without stopping
Example: He worked for five consecutive days.
Duration: Length of time
Example: The duration of the course is three months.
In principle: Generally true
Example: In principle, the rule applies to everyone.
Require: Make something necessary
Example: The job requires experience.
Emerged: Appeared or became known
Example: New problems emerged.
Precede: Come before
Example: A test will precede the interview.
Rack up: Collect (usually something negative)
Example: He racked up a lot of debt.
Threshold: Minimum level
Example: The threshold is $100.
State Minister: A high-level government official
Example: The State Minister gave a speech.
Labor shortages: Not enough workers
Example: There are labor shortages in farming.
Inbound tourists: Visitors coming into a country
Example: Japan has many inbound tourists.
Economy: System of money and business
Example: Tourism helps the economy.
Illegal acts: Actions against the law
Example: Illegal acts are punished.
Rule violations: Breaking rules
Example: The company reported rule violations.
Distinct from: Different from
Example: This idea is distinct from the last one.
Xenophobia: Fear or dislike of foreigners
Example: The speech warned against xenophobia.
Orderly: Organized
Example: He keeps his desk very orderly.
Harmonious: Peaceful
Example: They live in a harmonious community.
Coexist: Live together peacefully
Example: People from different cultures can coexist.
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