Japan eases immigration rules to let in more foreign workers under new visa system

The new system was launched as hundreds of thousands of foreigners are estimated to take up blue-collar and other types of jobs in the country

Foreigners with certain Japanese language and job skills can now apply for a resident status called Specified Skilled Worker No. 1, which grants working rights in 14 sectors, such as construction, farming and nursing care

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Trainee workers at a car parts factory in Hiroshima prefecture, western Japan. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:47pm, 1 Apr 2019Updated: 8:32am, 2 Apr 2019

Japan on Monday launched a new visa system to bring in more foreign workers to the country as it struggles with an acute labour shortage, in a move that marks a major policy shift from its traditionally strict immigration rules.

With hundreds of thousands of foreigners estimated to take up blue-collar and other types of jobs, a new immigration agency was established the same day to oversee visa inspections and support the settlement process for such applicants.

Shoko Sasaki, who heads the Immigration Services Agency, said at a press conference that assisting the lives of foreigners is particularly “important” and vowed to operate the system effectively.

Foreign nationals with certain Japanese language and job skills can now apply for a resident status called Specified Skilled Worker No. 1, which grants working rights in 14 sectors, such as construction, farming and nursing care, for up to a total of five years.

An Indonesian worker at a factory in Oizumi, Gunma prefecture. Photo: AFP

Proficient labourers in two sectors – construction and shipbuilding – can further extend their stay by earning the Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 status. It allows holders to bring in family members and has no limit on the number of times they can renew their visa.