No takers for the new Work Visa of Japan

More than 6 months have elapsed since Japan launched the new industry-specific Work Visa. Yet, less than 400 applicants have been approved so far which highlights the country’s challenges in hiring foreign workers.

The Japanese Govt. had launched the new Work Visa in April this year to cater to 14 industries struggling with labour shortage like restaurants and nursing homes. Eligible applicants can live and work in Japan for up to 5 years on this visa.

Japan’s goal was to bring in more than 345,000 semi-skilled foreign workers through this visa route over the next 5 years. However, as of 27^th September, the new Work Visa has only been granted to 376 people.

Shoko Sasaki, Commissioner of Immigration Services Agency, says that 2,000 visa applications are currently under review. More than 2,000 applicants have passed the industry-specific eligibility exams.

Applicants who have already obtained the visa mostly come from South Asian countries like Myanmar, Vietnam and Indonesia.

 The Japanese Govt. had aimed to bring in 40,000 workers in the first year. However, that target seems out of reach this year.

Japanese companies are not very fast in accommodating visa holders. Under the Technical Intern Visa, Japanese companies could pay visa holders lesser than their Japanese counterparts. However, under the new Work Visa, visa holders have to be paid at par with other Japanese workers.

Small and mid-sized businesses in Japan are especially hesitant in paying foreign workers the same amount as Japanese workers.

There are other hiring challenges bothering Japan as well. Other than Japan, the Philippines also conducts the Work Visa eligibility exam.

More than 300 Filipinos have cleared the Japanese exam. However, with stringent rules in the Philippines, they are unable to leave their positions in the country and head for Japan.

Delays are happening in Vietnam as no visa tests are being taken. This is due to procedural delays such as the selection of recruiters.

Low pay levels in Japan are another reason the new Work Visa is not finding any takers. As per the Japan External Trade Organization, an average restaurant worker in Tokyo makes about $1,159 per month in 2019. This is just $1,032 more than what an average restaurant worker in Singapore made in 2018. With the gap narrowing, Japan is finding it hard to bring in foreign workers to its shores.

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