Japan expands its foreign worker visa programme for the first time since inception
Japan's demand for foreign labor has increased due to factors such as its declining birthrate and shortages in transportation and logistics industries. These shortages are expected to worsen with the implementation of new regulations limiting overtime hours for drivers starting in April, referred to as the «2024 problem.»
The government aims to admit up to 820,000 foreigners under the skilled worker visa program over the next five fiscal years, beginning in April. This number is more than double the previous estimate for the five years leading up to fiscal 2023, which ended in March.
Following public feedback on the proposed reforms, the government plans to amend relevant regulations, including those of the Justice Ministry, to facilitate the acceptance of skilled workers in the newly added sectors.
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Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi urged relevant ministers to prepare for the timely acceptance of foreign workers and strive towards creating an inclusive society.
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Under the expansion, skilled foreigners will be eligible for roles such as drivers of buses, taxis, and trucks in the road transportation sector, provided they are employed by companies certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Proficiency in Japanese at the N3 level, one of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test's five levels, is required for roles involving
