japan’s Foreign Worker Program: Revised Intake Targets Through 2028
Japan is undertaking a significant revision of its foreign worker programs, aiming to address persistent labour shortages while establishing a more structured system for skilled and trainee workers. The government intends to accept approximately 1.23 million foreign workers under its primary labor migration programs through fiscal year 2028.This plan, presented to an expert panel on December 23, 2025, integrates the existing Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program with a new “Employment for Skill Growth” (ESD) status.
The overhaul is designed to replace the current Technical Intern Training Program, which has faced criticism regarding labor practices and its primary purpose being workforce provision rather then genuine skills transfer.The ESD program is slated to fully replace the Technical Intern Training Program by 2027.
Specifically, the government proposes capping the number of workers under the SSW Type 1 visa at 805,700, a slight decrease from the current limit of 820,000 established in March of the previous year.Concurrently, a cap of 426,200 workers will be placed on the new ESD status, bringing the combined total to the targeted 1.23 million. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20231226/k1001453399.html
This adjustment reflects Japan’s evolving approach to foreign labor, balancing economic needs with a commitment to improved worker protections and skills development.The changes are expected to streamline the process for attracting and retaining foreign workers in key sectors facing critical labor gaps.
Analysis & Strategy Keywords:
* Primary Topic: Japan’s Foreign Worker Policy
* primary Keyword: Japan Foreign Workers
* Secondary Keywords: Specified Skilled Worker (SSW),Employment for Skill Development (ESD),Technical Intern Training Program,Labor Shortage,Immigration Policy,Japanese Workforce,Foreign Labor,Visa Programs.