Web Desk: Japan has proposed introducing a five-year residence period for eligible foreign workers under its Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker visa, a move aimed at providing greater long-term stability and easing the path toward permanent residency for qualified applicants, including Pakistanis.
The proposal, unveiled by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, forms part of the country’s broader strategy to address chronic labour shortages driven by an ageing population and declining birth rate.
The Immigration Services Agency released a draft ministerial ordinance on Tuesday proposing that holders of the Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker visa be allowed to remain in Japan for up to five years.
The government has opened the proposal for public consultation before finalising the legal framework. If approved, the revised system is expected to take effect in early January next year.
Under the existing system, foreign workers in this visa category receive residence permits of six months, one year, two years or a maximum of three years, depending on factors such as employment status, work continuity and compliance with immigration requirements.
Applicants seeking longer stays must currently satisfy strict conditions, including maintaining stable employment, demonstrating a positive work record, paying taxes on time and meeting other legal obligations.
Under the proposed policy, eligible workers would be able to obtain a five-year residence period for the first time, reducing the frequency of visa renewals and providing greater certainty for long-term employment and personal planning.
Japanese authorities said the detailed eligibility requirements and administrative procedures are still being finalised and will be announced once the consultation process concludes.
The proposal could also simplify the process for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency.
Japan’s immigration rules generally require applicants for permanent residence to hold the longest period of stay available under their current visa category. Because the maximum validity under the existing system is three years, many workers have faced additional procedural hurdles before becoming eligible to apply.
A five-year residence period could remove that obstacle for qualified applicants and make the transition to permanent residency more straightforward.
The government said the proposed reform is intended to bring the Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker visa in line with residence arrangements already available to foreign professionals in the nursing care sector, who can receive permits valid for up to five years.
The change would create greater consistency across skilled worker programmes while improving employment stability for foreign professionals.
Japan has increasingly relied on foreign workers to offset labour shortages in sectors including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, food services, industrial services and caregiving.
The Type 2 Specified Skilled Worker programme forms part of a broader series of immigration reforms designed to retain experienced foreign workers and strengthen Japan’s workforce as demographic pressures continue to reshape the country’s labour market.
If implemented, the proposed five-year visa is expected to benefit both employers and employees by improving workforce retention, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing Japan’s appeal as a destination for skilled international talent.
Read more: Eyeing Australia? New visa rules could affect your application
