Integration Policy and the Subjective Well-being of Immigrants—Using the Variation in Available Inclusive Services Across Local Governments

Abstract

Delivering inclusive services to foreign residents is an important policy agenda, yet it is challenging when the preference for inclusive services is scarcely captured. This study examines the inclusion policy preferences of foreign residents through the association between welfare measures and variations in available inclusion efforts across municipalities in Japan. The situation in Japan presents a unique opportunity to examine the objective of this study in a context in which a comprehensive nationwide immigrant integration policy is absent and local governments have discretion as to which services to provide to foreign residents. This study found that reported welfare measures in the survey, such as satisfaction with the local government and the subjective well-being (SWB) of foreign residents, are positively associated with inclusive service availability. Further analysis indicates that assistance with accessing medical care and help with Japanese language learning opportunities are among the more relevant services sought by foreign residents.