Japan has traditionally been cautious about accepting unskilled workers from abroad and currently limits residential status to highly skilled professionals
Japan on Friday unveiled a plan to attract more foreign blue-collar workers, as the world’s third-largest economy battles a crippling labour shortage caused by an ageing and shrinking population.
The plan reportedly aims to fill gaping shortages in sectors such as agriculture, nursing, construction, hotels and shipbuilding.
Under the draft legislation, foreign nationals with skills in fields identified as facing shortages would be awarded a visa allowing them to work for up to five years.
Foreign workers in those fields who hold stronger qualifications and pass a Japanese language test will also be allowed to bring family members and can obtain permanent residency status.
Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Friday that the bill would be submitted to parliament “at the earliest possible time,” with a possible launch in April.
Japan has traditionally been cautious about accepting unskilled workers from abroad and currently limits residential status to highly skilled professionals. The only exception to this rule is for South Americans of Japanese descent.
