Spotlight on the Japan Specific Skilled Worker Visa
Japan, a country of advanced technology, a rich history, and a strong economy has always been an attractive country for employment especially for professionals. Having a decreasing population base with rapidly aging people, Japan has come up with the following work visa programs to attract workers from other countries in order to fill vacancies in some essential sectors. Of these, the SSWV seeks to be a powerful tool to recruit workers in sectors with critical skill gaps through the Specific Skilled Worker Visa. In this post is a closer look at the SSWV, focusing on its qualification requirements, industries of focus, and advantages to the foreign workers.
Understanding the Specific Skilled Worker Visa
The current Specific Skilled Worker Visa is a new visa category that Japan has implemented from the 1st of April, 2019. It was formulated to respond the need for skilled workforce in important sectors in the given country as it continues to face shortage of employees. It is a visa that allows people of other countries to work in Japan even though they cannot apply technical or professional knowledge and skills which makes it easier for people to apply for the visa.
Key Features of the Specific Skilled Worker Visa
The SSWV is divided into two categories: SSW1 and SSW2 that both differ in their features and the level of demand.
1. SSW1 Visa:
· Duration: The SSW1 visa can be for up to five years and can be renewed.
· Eligibility: The applicants must sit for a Japanese language test (JLPT N4 or above) and a functional test depending on the field of specialization.
· Industries: The SSW1 visa is for 14 sectors, such as building, food and beverage, farming, production lines, and childcare.
· Benefits: The SSW1 visa allows working in Japan but the visa holder cannot be joined by his family members. However, it is possible to move to SSW2 visa which is more advantageous than the previous one.
2. SSW2 Visa:
· Duration: The SSW2 visa doesn’t have a validity period and can be renewed repeatedly.
· Eligibility: While progressing from SSW1 to SSW2, the workers must accumulate experience in the field and pass other exams.
· Industries: At the moment, the SSW2 visa is allowed only for the construction and shipbuilding sectors. However, more industries may be included in future releases of the standard.
· Benefits: SSW2 visa holders can bring their families to Japan and have the potential to apply for permanent residency after a certain period.
Eligibility Criteria for the Specific Skilled Worker Visa
To qualify for the Specific Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements:
1. Age: Applicants should be of a minimum age of 18 years.
2. Language Proficiency: As it was mentioned before, the Japanese Language Test is required to pass in order to apply for SSW1 visa. This makes it easier for the workers to be able to talk to fellow workers as well as be able to adjust to the lifestyle in Japan.
3. Skills Assessment: Candidates are required to pass a skills test that is relevant to the sector of their choice. These tests evaluate the competencies that are required for the specific position.
4. Health and Background Checks: Aspirants must be subjected to medical tests and security checks to conform to Japan’s health and security standards.
5. Job Offer: One of the conditions necessary to enter this program is to be invited to work by an employer from Japan. The employer has to be ready for granting the visa for the worker and offering appropriate documents which would help in the process.
Industries Covered by the Specific Skilled Worker Visa
The Specific Skilled Worker Visa is for people who fill gaps in the British labor market. As of now, the SSW1 visa covers the following 14 industries:
· Construction
· Shipbuilding and Marine Industry
· Automobile Maintenance
· Aviation
· Accommodation (Hospitality)
· Nursing Care
· Agriculture
· Fishery and Aquaculture
· Food and Beverage Manufacturing
· Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
· Electric and Electronic Information Industries
· Building Cleaning
· Material Processing
· Furniture and Fixtures Manufacturing
These industries are deemed core industries in Japan and thus important for the economy but are experiencing massive labor deficits attributed to demography of the country.
Benefits of the Specific Skilled Worker Visa
The Specific Skilled Worker Visa offers several advantages to foreign nationals seeking to work in Japan:
1. Opportunity to Work in Japan: The visa helps the skilled workers to work and live in one of the most technologically developed and diverse countries in the world.
2. Career Growth: The SSWV is beneficial for the workers to acquire practical experience in their respective fields, thus improving their employability. To the holders of the SSW1 visa, temporary change is possible to the SSW2 visa, which will be more helpful in the long run.
3. Possibility of Bringing Family: While the SSW1 visa does not permit workers to bring their families, the SSW2 visa allows for family reunification. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to settle in Japan with their loved ones.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency: SSW2 visa holders can apply for permanent residency after meeting specific requirements, providing a long-term solution for those wishing to make Japan their home.
5. Enhanced Job Security: With Japan’s commitment to addressing labor shortages, workers on the SSWV are likely to find stable and long-term employment in their respective fields.
Conclusion
The Specific Skilled Worker Visa is a significant step by Japan to attract foreign talent and address labor shortages in key industries. It offers a unique opportunity for skilled workers to build a career in Japan, with the potential for long-term residency and family reunification. As Japan continues to evolve its immigration policies, the SSWV stands out as a gateway for foreign nationals to contribute to and benefit from Japan's thriving economy.
Whether you’re a skilled worker looking for opportunities abroad or an employer in Japan seeking to fill critical job roles, the Specific Skilled Worker Visa provides a mutually beneficial solution. By understanding the eligibility requirements, targeted industries, and the numerous benefits, you can make informed decisions about your future in Japan.
