This report provides a detailed explanation of the comprehensive guide for foreign nationals considering working with the specified skills status of residence, covering everything from system overview to the actual employment process.
The specified skills system is a status of residence created to enable foreign nationals to play more active roles in Japan, divided into "Category 1" and "Category 2" according to specialization levels. Currently, specified skills Category 1 allows work in 12 fields, while specified skills Category 2 allows work in 11 fields. Using the system requires passing Japanese language tests and skill tests in each field, but foreign nationals who have successfully completed technical intern training Category 2 are exempted from tests.
The process to employment involves first passing tests, then concluding employment contracts with companies, applying for status of residence at immigration offices, and obtaining permission. Test information and schedules can be confirmed on testing organization websites, and some countries may require advance procedures in their home countries. Additionally, the Immigration Services Agency conducts overseas job fairs and domestic matching events to support acceptance of foreign human resources.
Foreign nationals with specified skills Category 1 can receive 10 types of support from their employing companies or registered support organizations. Specifically, this includes advance guidance, transportation assistance during entry and exit, housing security and living contract support, life orientation, administrative procedure support, Japanese language learning support, consultation and complaint response, interaction support with Japanese people, job change support, and regular interviews (at least once every three months).
Detailed system information is provided in 14 languages (Plain Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Thai, Indonesian, Myanmar, Nepali, Mongolian, Khmer, Sinhala, Urdu) on the "Comprehensive Specified Skills Support Site," where voices of actual workers and job description sheets for each field can also be confirmed.
The article demonstrates that the specified skills system functions as a system that comprehensively supports the promotion of active participation in Japanese society through proper acceptance and life support for foreign human resources.