Specified Skilled Worker (ⅰ)

“Specified Skilled Worker (ⅰ)” covers engagement in necessary jobs that require a considerable level of knowledge or experience, as specified by the Ministry of Justice Ordinance, and that are designated by the Minister of Justice in specific industrial fields based on contracts with organizations also designated by the Minister of Justice. “Specified industrial fields” refers to those designated by Ministry of Justice ordinance as industrial fields in which securing human resources is difficult, so foreigners can be admitted to fill the gap. The period can be 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months.
In both 2019 and 2020, specified skilled workers entering Japan came mainly from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, among others; this number is increasing annually. Due to concerns about illegal residency and illegal labor, many foreigners who have acquired specific skills are nationals of countries that have signed memorandums of cooperation with Japan. Perhaps because of this influence, countries that have bilateral agreements with Japan, for example, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, appear to be the focus.