Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai underscores the significance of enforcing new regulations to streamline immigration processes, particularly concerning foreign workers.
The new visa program, effective since April, aims to boost the quota for foreign workers. Around 345,000 skilled workers in 14 sectors facing labor shortages will be authorized to enter Japan over five years.
Kawai emphasizes the need for more efficient and meticulous screening and immigration checks to ensure the smooth integration of foreign workers into Japan’s labor market.
With severe labor shortages, particularly in blue-collar sectors like construction and nursing care, Kawai is determined to collaborate with other governmental institutions to support the employment of foreign workers, through this new regulations.
As of September 20th, 2,062 foreigners have applied for the program. Over 2,000 individuals have successfully passed the language and skills examinations required for the new visas.
Kawai pledges to target foreign nationals living illegally in Japan while promising increased support for disadvantaged citizens.
In conclusion, Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai’s initiatives aim to revamp immigration processes, increase support for foreign workers, and address labor shortages in key sectors, signaling Japan’s commitment to managing its workforce and immigration policies effectively.