TOKYO/MANILA -- Half a year after Japan launched a new work visa to fill spots in labor-short industries, not even 400 applicants have been approved, underscoring the challenges faced by the country in recruiting workers from abroad.
The government introduced "specified skilled worker" resident status in April for new arrivals willing to work in any of 14 industries hurting for employees, such as nursing homes and restaurants. Those who qualify can stay up to five years without additional testing, up from the general three-year limit under the old technical intern program.
