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Japan welcomes 4 new 'specified skill' categories for foreign workers but challenges remain

Release Date
2024-04-03
Media
The Mainichi
Summary
The Japanese government has expanded the "specified skilled worker" program to include four additional industries, including transportation, to address labor shortages. The program aims to bring in up to 820,000 foreign workers between 2024 and 2028.

Japan faces a significant shortage of train drivers, with 77 out of 172 rail operators reporting staffing gaps. In response, the transport ministry plans to lower the minimum age for train driver license tests from 20 to 18, and some companies are rehiring former drivers or automating systems. However, smaller operators, such as Fukui Railway, are struggling with the shortage, having reduced services and requiring drivers to work excessive overtime. The addition of train driving to the skilled worker program may help, but the requirements for national certification and handling additional duties like passenger interaction pose challenges for smaller companies.

The lumber and forestry industries also face high rates of workplace accidents, with fatality and injury rates significantly higher than in other industries. The Forestry Agency is developing safety guidelines, and local governments, like Kochi Prefecture, are requesting safety standards related to Japanese language proficiency to ensure worker safety and improve conditions.

In summary, while the expansion of the skilled worker program will address labor shortages, industries like transportation and forestry face specific challenges, including safety concerns and the complexity of integrating foreign workers into small and medium-sized enterprises.
Tags
Specified Skilled Worker

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