In response to a labor shortage in the transportation sector, the Japanese government has announced plans to extend eligibility for the skilled worker visa to foreign workers in the industry, as reported by VisaGuide on Monday.
Japan intends to include additional roles in its Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 Visa, specifically in road transportation, railways, forestry, and the timber industry, providing an enhanced pathway for work migration.
Although the decision has yet to be implemented, if approved, it would mark the first adjustment since 2019, expanding the total number of eligible industries for this visa category to 16. Recognizing the need for foreign workers, especially in roles such as taxi, bus, and truck drivers in the road transportation sector, Japanese authorities aim to address the labor shortage.
In the railway sector, demand exists for train drivers, conductors, railcar builders, and station attendants. With the new rules scheduled to take effect in April, Japan anticipates a potential need for additional labor across various industries. The country also plans to tighten regulations on overtime working hours, potentially increasing the demand for foreign workers.
Simultaneously, reports suggest that the government is contemplating broadening visa eligibility to include other professions, such as the food and beverage production industry. The anticipated changes are expected to attract a significant number of foreign applicants seeking skilled worker visas for employment opportunities in Japan.
