Japan updates status for skilled foreign workers
The Japanese government has begun talks on updating a status of residence for skilled foreign workers. The change would let them work in more fields.
Japan currently classifies status for skilled foreign workers in two categories. People who get the lower Category 1 can get jobs in 12 industries. But they can only stay in Japan for up to 5 years.
People who get Category 2 have no limit on how long they can extend their stay in Japan and they can bring their spouse and children. But they can only work in two fields, construction and shipbuilding, and getting Category 2 is not easy. Just 10 people have passed the exam to get it so far.
On Monday, the government revealed a plan to increase the number of fields Category 2 holders can work in to 11. They include agriculture and food manufacturing. The government hopes to have it approved in June if the ruling parties approve the draft.
Some experts say that as Japan has an increasingly severe labor shortage it’s necessary to create a system that lets foreigners work in the country longer.
