Update – April 8, 2024: On March 29, 2024, the Japanese government resolved to further expand the coverage of the Specified Skilled Worker program by expanding the program to four additional industries (for a new total of 16 industries) where there are strong demands for foreign employees due to acute labor shortages. The new sectors included are: automotive transportation, railroads, forestry and timber.
July 24, 2023: The Japanese government approved the addition of nine more industries to those eligible to offer the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (SSW-2) visa to qualified foreign nationals. Set to be implemented later this year following a public consultation phase, this change aims to attract and retain skilled foreign workers long-term to address Japan's labor shortage. Once implemented, applicants from expanded industries, including aviation, agriculture, electronics and information, food service, and others, will be eligible for the SSW-2 status. This permit allows eligible foreign nationals to work in Japan indefinitely, sponsor dependents, and eventually apply for permanent residence.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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