Snubbed by foreigners, Japan revamps blue-collar work visa program

With just 1,000 visa holders, Tokyo missing 40,000 target

20191220N Vietnamese works in Japan
MINAKO YAMASHITA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Facing the cold reality of a dearth of workers from abroad, Japan will update its new work visa program designed to fill jobs in such labor-tight industries as nursing care, restaurants and manufacturing.

The biggest challenge in attracting workers is the limited eligibility for taking the mandatory skills and language tests, the Immigration Services Agency told a meeting of ministers Friday. The government will relax standards next month.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.