Japan's Cabinet approves plan to expand foreign worker status

Japan's Cabinet has adopted a plan to drastically expand the fields for qualified foreign skilled workers.

The move is aimed at attracting more skilled people from abroad amid the intense global competition for such workers.

Speaking before the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio stressed the need to address the country's serious labor shortages. He said the environment for foreign workers needs to be improved so they will view Japan as a desirable place to live.

Japan introduced Category 2 residence status four years ago. Holders of this status have no limit on applying to extend their stay in Japan. They are also allowed to bring their spouses and children.

Currently, only workers in two fields -- construction and shipbuilding -- are eligible for that category. But only 11 people have qualified for this status so far.

The plan adopted by the Cabinet expands the number of fields from two to 11. They include farming as well as food and drink manufacturing.

Some members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party had voiced concern about the plan, saying it could effectively increase immigration to Japan.

But the party approved the plan last month, reflecting a growing sense of crisis about the nation's labor shortages.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230609_08/