New visa seeks to attract foreign graduates of elite universities

Japan is joining in the competition with other nations in Southeast Asia and Europe to attract outstanding young talent by offering special measures that include a two-year stay and allowing them to bring their families. 

The government has approved a new visa sub-category designed to attract foreign graduates of elite universities.

The meeting of relevant Cabinet ministers on Feb. 17 approved the plan that would allow such graduates to reside in Japan for up to two years in order to find a job or to start a company.

At his news conference that day, Justice Minister Ken Saito said the changes “would heighten expectations for economic growth through further acceptance of highly skilled personnel, who would contribute to innovation in academic research as well as business and industry.”

The new sub-category will be established under the…