It is no exaggeration to say that 2020 was a year in which the entire world was thrown into turmoil by the novel coronavirus. In Japan as well, the spread of COVID-19 has had various effects on foreign workers (here referring to technical intern trainees).
For example, even those who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) have been unable to transition smoothly to a new status of residence because preparations for moving to Specified Skilled Worker (i) are not yet complete amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this article, we provide a detailed explanation of how to respond for trainees who have completed Technical Intern Training (ii) but are not yet ready to transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i), as well as for those for whom continuing technical intern training has become difficult.

When preparations for transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (i) are not yet complete

In this case, a change of status of residence to Designated Activities (4 months, work permitted) is possible only during the transition preparation period. In light of the recent spread of COVID-19 and related impacts, the required documents have been simplified. Trainees who complete their transition preparations can obtain the Specified Skilled Worker (i) status of residence.

When continuing technical intern training at the training site has become difficult

If continuing technical intern training has become difficult due to the deterioration of the training site’s business conditions or similar reasons, or if a new training site cannot be found, a change of status of residence to Designated Activities (up to 1 year, work permitted) is possible provided the condition is met that the trainee worked at a training site related to a specified industrial field (the 14 fields including nursing care, agriculture, and others). This is a temporary special measure to enable foreign workers to find new employment and continue working.
If it is difficult to find a new job or place of employment, inquiring at the nearest regional immigration services bureau or branch office can also provide access to matching support with employers under government assistance.

When technical intern training has been completed and returning home has become difficult

Trainees who have completed technical intern training and for whom returning to their home country is difficult may change their status of residence to Designated Activities (6 months, work permitted) or Designated Activities (6 months, work not permitted).
However, if working under this status of residence, the work must be the same duties as before (the occupation and work engaged in during technical intern training). If new work in the same duties as before cannot be found, it is possible to work in duties related to the same duties as before.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Summary

As explained above, even among technical intern trainees, residence procedures differ depending on whether training has been completed, whether the person will remain in Japan, or whether they will return to their home country.
With the situation changing daily and information becoming confused, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has also introduced a considerable number of special measures. Going forward, the handling of statuses of residence may well change depending on circumstances, so it is important to always check the latest information.