Japan considers expanding industries eligible for foreign skilled workers
Japan is considering expanding the scope of industries under the Specified Skilled Worker visa for foreigners to address a severe labor shortage at home, according to a draft presented to a ruling Liberal Democratic Party committee.
The draft proposed increasing the number of eligible industries from 16 to 19, with warehouse management, waste disposal and linen supply to be newly included.
Holders of the Specified Skilled Worker visa, created in 2019, are allowed to work in 16 industries facing workforce challenges, such as construction, nursing care and agriculture, with many transferring from the technical trainee program.
The Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa enables holders to spend five years in Japan, while the No. 2 visa offers unlimited renewals, opening the path to permanent residency and permitting workers to bring their spouses and children to the country.
There were more than 280,000 holders of the Specified Skilled Worker visa as of the end of 2024, according to the Immigration Services Agency.
© KYODO
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Mainichi
21 hours ago
- The Mainichi
New S. Korea leader, Trump agree to seek 'satisfactory' tariff deal
SEOUL (Kyodo) -- New South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed during their first telephone talks on Friday to work toward a "mutually satisfactory" agreement on U.S. tariffs at an early date, South Korea's presidential office said. "Regarding ongoing tariff consultations between the two countries, the presidents agreed to strive for a mutually satisfactory agreement as soon as possible," the office said after their phone talks, adding that the leaders pledged to encourage tangible progress to be achieved in working-level negotiations. The two countries have been trying to negotiate a deal on the 25 percent tariffs Trump imposed on South Korea in early April as part of his so-called reciprocal import duties targeting almost all countries. During their talks, which started off with Trump congratulating Lee on his win in Tuesday's election, Lee emphasized the significance of his country's alliance with the United States. Both sides expressed an intention to work closely together for further development of the iron-clad alliance, according to the office. The office also said that Trump invited Lee to the United States, and the two leaders agreed to meet at the earliest opportunity to hold more in-depth discussions on advancing the alliance.
The Mainichi
a day ago
- The Mainichi
Japan, US yet to find middle ground on tariffs but want quick deal
WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japan and the United States have yet to find common ground on tariff issues but still aim to strike a deal of some sort in mid-June, Japan's chief tariff negotiator said Friday. After holding talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's minister for economic revitalization, told reporters that he believes "further progress" was made. Akazawa said no decision has been made on whether there will be another round of tariff talks next week or beyond. Akazawa and Bessent, as well as Lutnick, whom the Japanese minister also met a day earlier, sat down to explore whether it may be feasible for the countries' leaders to reach a trade agreement during their meeting in about 10 days. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump plan to hold talks around the time of the three-day Group of Seven summit in Canada, which starts on June 15. Akazawa, who is visiting the U.S. capital for the third straight week for a fifth round of ministerial-level tariff talks, has repeatedly said Japan will not accept a deal unless it benefits both countries. On Thursday, Akazawa and Lutnick discussed "in detail" cooperation in three major areas -- trade, nontariff barriers and economic security -- during their 110-minute meeting, according to the Japanese government. The government added that Akazawa, as he has done consistently in the talks, reiterated Japan's position that the Trump administration's additional tariffs must be removed. Under Trump's so-called reciprocal tariff regime, announced April 2, almost all countries in the world have been hit by a baseline duty of 10 percent, with Japan facing an additional country-specific tariff of 14 percent for a total rate of 24 percent. Along with other countries, Japan has also been affected by the Trump administration's extra 25 percent tariff on automobiles and other sector-based levies implemented on national security grounds. Japan has presented a package of proposals to U.S. Cabinet members in the ongoing negotiations. The package includes joint efforts to strengthen supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals, cooperation in shipbuilding, expanding imports of U.S. farm products to Japan, and simplification of Japan's safety and environmental requirements for foreign-made cars. Japan does not impose tariffs on imported cars, trucks or buses. However, the Trump administration has claimed American automakers' limited penetration into Japan's market is due to nontariff barriers, such as nonacceptance of certain U.S. standards.
The Mainichi
a day ago
- The Mainichi
Japan showcases MSDF frigate in Australia amid bid to win contract
DARWIN, Australia (Kyodo) -- Japan's latest Maritime Self-Defense Force frigate made a port call in Darwin, northern Australia, on Thursday for training, as Japan competes with Germany for a contract to build Australia's new-generation fleet. Showcasing the Mogami-class multi-mission frigate Yahagi to the media on Friday, MSDF officials highlighted its advanced stealth features and ability to operate with a smaller crew than the German vessels. The MSDF hosted an evening reception for Royal Australian Navy officials on board the ship the same day. In November last year, the Australian government shortlisted the Mogami-class frigate and Germany's MEKO A200 frigate as candidates to replace its navy's Anzac-class frigates in a program worth up to AU$10 billion ($6.5 billion) over the next decade. From an operational standpoint, there is a degree of support in Australia for Germany's proposed frigates, which offer compatibility with its current fleet. Meanwhile, Japan is aiming to ease concerns by allowing officials to experience the user-friendliness of its frigate. "With a smaller crew, it is easier to keep track of personnel. I believe this is the optimal size," Yahagi's captain, Masayoshi Tamura, said. Frigates produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. can be operated by a crew of around 90, half as many as similar vessels. The Australian government is planning the largest expansion of its navy's combatant fleet since World War II amid China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. It is expected to choose either Japan or Germany as its partner for the joint development of new frigates by the end of the year.
