As of April of 2019, the Japanese government through its national diet has put into effect the Tokutei Ginou or the so-called New Specified Skills Visa. It is one of the measures undertaken by the Land of the Rising Sun in order to address its worsening labor problems as a consequence of its aging population, low birth rate and a vast decline in inward migration.
With the implementation of the new immigration policy, the country of Japan aspires to welcome more and more foreign nationals over the course of five years. It is a way for them to open doors of opportunities for foreigners who are seeking for employment opportunities in various Japanese industries and sectors. Ina addition, the introduction of the new specified skills visa is expected to have a positive impact on the production and financial growth of domestic companies and establishments in Japan.
The Specified Skills Worker Visa is particularly applicable to address the workforce setback in fourteen identified industries, to wit: nursing care, building cleaning, material processing industry, industrial machinery manufacturing industry, electric and electronic information related industry, construction, ship building and ship-related industry, automobile maintenance, aviation, lodging, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverages manufacturing industry and food service industry.
Among the above mentioned list, the ship building and ship related industry and the construction sector are covered by the second category of the Specified Skilled Worker Visa. Under this type of visa, the applicant is expected to have a higher level of specialized skill with a certain standard of experience and certification.
Under Specified Skilled Worker Visa (II), foreign workers can stay and work in the country under a renewable period until they attain a Japanese residence status or be allowed an independent stay in Japan. Moreover, they may bring their immediate family members such as their spouse and children.
Reference: Japan’s New Specified Skills Visa in April 2019
