Key Points
The Japanese government has expanded its foreign skilled worker visa program, aiming to address the nation's shortage of drivers by granting more individuals access to extended stays of up to five years..
As reported by the Japanese news agency Kyodo News, this move includes the addition of four new industries to the program, namely road and railway transportation, forestry, and timber sectors..
The government aims to admit up to 820,000 foreigners under the skilled worker visa program over the next five fiscal years, beginning in April..
Under the expansion, skilled foreigners will be eligible for roles such as drivers of buses, taxis, and trucks in the road transportation sector, provided they are employed by companies certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism..
Foreigners holding the No. 1 visa must demonstrate professional skills and Japanese language proficiency, while the No. 2 visa allows for indefinite renewals, leading to the possibility of permanent residency and the ability to bring family members to Japan...
