Japan Continues Opening Doors to Foreign Skilled Workers in 2026

While Japan has long been seen as a challenging country for Filipinos and other foreigners to migrate to, the government has been steadily updating immigration and labour policies to address a severe workforce shortage caused by its ageing population.

In late 2025 and early 2026, the Japanese government unveiled major reforms to how it accepts foreign workers. Under plans expected to be fully implemented by fiscal 2027, Japan will combine its existing Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme with a new Training and Employment System, formally replacing the old Technical Intern Training Program.

Together, these pathways are projected to allow up to 1.23 million foreign workers to enter Japan by the end of fiscal 2028. Of this, the SSW programme itself could accommodate about 805,700 workers, while the new training pathway will cover around 426,200. These numbers reflect Japan’s most significant move yet to attract foreign talent while carefully managing the workforce.

Also read: 5 Japan Vlogs of Filipinos Living in the Land of the Rising Sun

What This Means for Filipino Workers

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The Specified Skilled Worker visa remains the primary route for skilled foreign workers. It now includes two types:

• Type 1 SSW – allows workers to stay for up to five years.

• Type 2 SSW – renewable indefinitely and offers a path to longer-term residence, including the possibility of bringing families under certain conditions.

The SSW programme targets sectors with acute labour shortages, including:

• Construction

• Manufacturing and electronics

• Agriculture

• Food processing and food service

• Nursing care

• Hospitality and accommodation

• Logistics and recycling

• Shipbuilding

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The new Training and Employment System is designed to help foreign workers gain experience and skills over time, easing their transition into Japan’s formal workforce. This also addresses past criticisms of the Technical Intern Training Program, which was sometimes misused for unskilled labour instead of proper skills development.

Eligibility and Requirements

To apply as a Specified Skilled Worker in Japan, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old and in good health

• Have relevant occupational skills and Japanese language proficiency for immediate work

• Meet industry-specific qualifications outlined for each SSW sector

Although these reforms make it easier for foreigners to work and live in Japan, permanent residency is not automatic. It requires a separate application process with its own conditions.

Why Japan Needs Foreign Workers

Japan’s population continues to decline. According to The Japan Times, the country’s population fell by nearly 484,000 in 2021, marking its steepest decrease since 2013. Labour shortages are most acute in industries like construction, agriculture, and nursing care, prompting the government to ease restrictions and encourage skilled foreigners to fill gaps.

Filipino workers are particularly well-positioned to benefit from these changes. Many have experience in caregiving, hospitality, and technical fields, and there is strong community support for Filipinos living and working in Japan.

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How to Apply

Filipinos interested in working in Japan as a Specified Skilled Worker should:

1. Check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for updated SSW requirements.

2. Visit the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines for application procedures, testing schedules, and documentation guidelines.

3. Prepare to meet Japanese language requirements and occupational skill assessments for the chosen industry.

With these updates, 2026 could be a turning point for skilled Filipino workers seeking long-term opportunities in Japan.

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