Since April 2019, acceptance of foreign nationals under the new status of residence “Specified Skilled Worker” has begun. The system allows foreign nationals to engage in on-site work and is attracting attention as a measure to resolve labor shortages in Japanese industries. This article explains the overview of Specified Skilled Worker and the requirements for obtaining it.

What Is Specified Skilled Worker?

First, we introduce what kind of status of residence Specified Skilled Worker is.

A status of residence that enables on-site work in specific industries

Until now, even after obtaining a work-eligible status of residence (a so-called work visa), engaging in on-site labor was in principle prohibited. However, Japan faces a serious labor shortage due to a declining working population. Accordingly, 14 industries where securing talent is especially difficult were designated as “specified industrial fields,” and Specified Skilled Worker is the status that permits on-site work only in these fields.

The specified industrial fields in which acceptance is possible under Specified Skilled Worker are as follows.

1 Nursing care
2 Building cleaning
3 Formed and fabricated materials industries
4 Industrial machinery manufacturing
5 Electric and electronic information related industries
6 Construction
7 Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry
8 Automobile maintenance
9 Aviation
10 Accommodation
11 Agriculture
12 Fishery
13 Food and beverage manufacturing
14 Food service

Specified Skilled Worker has two types: (i) and (ii)

Specified Skilled Worker consists of two types: “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” and “Specified Skilled Worker (ii).” Type (ii) is a more advantageous status of residence than type (i) in that there is no upper limit on the period of stay and family accompaniment is permitted. That said, obtaining it requires more advanced skills than type (i), and the industries covered by type (ii) are limited to construction and shipbuilding and ship machinery industry.
Comparing the two yields the following.

Requirements for Obtaining Specified Skilled Worker

Next, we explain the requirements for obtaining Specified Skilled Worker. Some industries have unique requirements, but the following three points are mandatory for all industries.

・Pass the Specified Skilled Worker evaluation examination, or successfully complete Technical Intern Training (ii)
・The foreign national and the accepting company conclude a Specified Skilled Worker employment contract
・The accepting company has a support system in place for the foreign national

You prove that the above are met by preparing numerous documents and submitting them to the immigration authority. The accepting company must also take steps such as concluding the employment contract and establishing a support system. Note that even if there are no issues with the foreign national, if the accepting company has circumstances such as legal violations, the likelihood of obtaining Specified Skilled Worker decreases, so caution is advised.

Differences from Technical Intern Training

Because Specified Skilled Worker, like Technical Intern Training, is divided into types (i) and (ii), some people may think the two are similar. However, they are entirely different.

The purpose of Technical Intern Training is for foreign nationals to acquire skills in Japan and bring them back to their home countries to contribute to those countries’ economic development. Foreign nationals who come to Japan under Technical Intern Training are “trainees,” not a labor force. Article 3, paragraph 2 of the Technical Intern Training Act also provides that “Technical Intern Training shall not be conducted as a means of adjusting the supply and demand of labor.”

By contrast, Specified Skilled Worker is a status of residence that permits employment as a worker. Its purpose is to resolve labor shortages in Japan.

Conclusion

This article explained the overview and requirements of Specified Skilled Worker. Specified Skilled Worker is a new status of residence that permits on-site work by foreign nationals, which had previously been prohibited. If you are struggling with a talent shortage, why not consider hiring foreign nationals through Specified Skilled Worker?