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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.
Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.
Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.
Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.
Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.
Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.
Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.