Japan eyes 17 eligible sectors under new foreign labor training plan

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's government on Tuesday proposed 17 industries for inclusion in a new program to replace the foreign trainee scheme, such as agriculture, food services and construction, which are struggling with labor shortages amid a graying population.
The government also recommended adding three more sectors to the separate Specified Skilled Worker visa framework as many shift from the technical trainee system, often criticized for labor rights violations including long hours and low wages.
After discussions at an expert panel on the draft, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet is expected to approve a plan by December on which industries will be covered in both schemes and how many foreign workers will be accepted at most.
The new "Employment for Skill Development" program is scheduled to launch in 2027, aiming to grapple with a shrinking workforce as the productive-age population has been sharply decreasing against a backdrop of a declining birthrate.
The new system will encourage workers to transition to the more permanent Specified Skilled Worker visa after three years, in principle -- a landmark change in Japan's official stance on bringing in foreign employees.
Holders of the Specified Skilled Worker visa, created in 2019, have been allowed to work in 16 sectors so far. The draft proposes increasing the number of eligible industries to 19, with warehouse management, waste disposal and linen supply to be newly added.
The Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa enables holders to spend five years in Japan, while the No. 2 visa offers unlimited renewals, opening the path to permanent residency and permitting workers to bring their spouses and children to the country.

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