[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]In response to appeals from business and academic sectors, the Japanese government has announced a relaxation of visa regulations with the aim of expanding opportunities for foreign students to stay in Japan and find employment.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan revealed on Thursday that students completing studies at state-designated technical schools will now have the flexibility to work in fields not directly related to their majors. This change is expected to increase the annual count of foreign students staying and working in Japan by approximately 3,000 individuals.
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Previously, many foreign students, despite acquiring technical skills and proficiency in the Japanese language during their studies, faced difficulties securing employment aligned with their acquired skills, often leading to their return to their home countries. To address this, state-designated technical schools will now implement specialized programs, including practical training opportunities at various companies.
The government has also expanded the eligibility criteria for the “designated activities” visa, allowing foreign students to remain in Japan for employment. Initially limited to university or graduate school graduates, this visa category now includes students demonstrating advanced Japanese language proficiency and educational accomplishments equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, including those completing a four-year program at designated technical schools.
Approximately 75 percent of the 2,000 foreign students enrolled in technical schools expressed their desire to pursue employment opportunities in Japan, according to a survey conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization in fiscal 2021.
These regulatory changes follow recommendations by a government panel in April of the previous year, advocating for simplified pathways for foreign students to secure employment in Japan. An official from the agency emphasized the government’s hope that students with specialized skills and a deep understanding of Japan will contribute to the country’s workforce.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
