NHK has learned that the Mie prefectural government is considering halting the employment of foreign nationals as early as in fiscal 2026, which begins next April.
Sources say the prefecture in central Japan plans to conduct a survey of about 10,000 residents from January to gauge their opinions before making a formal decision.
In fiscal 1999, Mie Prefecture scrapped Japanese nationality requirements for people applying to become prefectural employees, except for certain jobs. The aim was to promote participation in society by foreign nationals.
Non-Japanese applicants remained excluded from tax collection and other work that involve exercising public authority. Decision-making managerial duties were also limited to Japanese only.
Sources say Mie prefecture has judged that hiring foreign nationals could raise the risk of breaches of highly confidential data, including residents' personal information and data on agriculture and anti-disaster measures.
They say the prefectural government is mindful of China's 2017 national intelligence law that requires Chinese companies and people at home and abroad to cooperate with national intelligence activities.
Mie prefecture has hired nine foreign nationals since fiscal 2005, the oldest year from which records are available. Most are specialists such as doctors and nurses. The prefecture plans to continue employing one of the nine who currently remains on payroll, even after the rules are reviewed.
According to Mie Prefecture, 11 other prefectures in Japan enable foreign nationals to take employment exams for local government jobs, by doing away with the nationality requirement.

Okay, here are three four-choice quizzes based solely on the provided article, strictly adhering to your requested format.

Quiz 1:
When is Mie Prefectural Government potentially planning to halt the employment of foreign nationals?
A. Fiscal 2005
B. Fiscal 2026
C. Fiscal 1999
D. Fiscal 2017

Quiz 2:
What was the primary reason for initially removing Japanese nationality requirements for prefectural employees in 1999?
A. To reduce the risk of data breaches.
B. To comply with a national intelligence law.
C. To promote participation in society by foreign nationals.
D. To align with other prefectures’ hiring practices.

Quiz 3:
What specific concern prompted the potential change in hiring policy regarding foreign nationals?
A. The risk of breaches of highly confidential data.
B. Concerns about the cost of employing foreign nationals.
C. A desire to exclusively hire Japanese citizens.
D. Pressure from other prefectures restricting foreign employment.

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A