Japan's labor-starved companies welcome expanded foreign worker program

Industries could face a heavier burden in training staff from overseas

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The Japanese cabinet has approved plans for expanding the "specified skilled workers" program. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki)

TAISHU YUASA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The Japanese government's decision to let more skilled foreign talent into the country reflects the crushing labor shortages threatening a range of industries.

The cabinet approved Friday plans to raise the entry cap under the "specified skilled foreign workers" program to 820,000 people over the five years starting in fiscal 2024 -- 2.4 times the ceiling for the five years ended fiscal 2023.

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