The government will introduce a new, simplified system for issuing highly qualified work visas to foreign workers this Friday to attract overseas talent, the Immigration Services Agency, Japan’s migration agency, said.
Those who want to win such a visa must meet a number of conditions. For example, you will have to prove that you earn 20 million yen ($ 151,000) on an annual basis and have a master’s degree in your pocket.
Until now, Japan has worked with a points system. People were awarded points based on various categories, such as academic background, work and annual income. Currently, applicants with points above a certain level are granted a highly skilled professional visa for five years, and can get an indefinite visa after three years. However, the measure is seen as overcomplicated as the global race for skilled labor intensifies.
Currently, applicants with points above a certain level are granted a highly skilled professional visa for five years and can get an indefinite visa after three years.
Point system
The visas for highly skilled professionals are granted for three types of activities: advanced academic research, specialized/technical activities, and business and managerial activities.
While the points system will be maintained, applicants pursuing advanced academic research or advanced specialized/technical activities can receive a five-year visa under the new measure if they have a master’s degree or higher and an annual income of more than 20 million yen, or a employment history of ten years or more and an annual income of more than 20 million yen.
For those applying for advanced business and management activities, five-year visas will be granted if they have worked for five years or more and have an annual income of 40 million yen or more. Those who receive a five-year visa under the simplified requirements will also be eligible for a permanent visa after a one-year stay in Japan, compared to three years for current holders.
The introduction of the new measure was decided in February after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last year instructed relevant ministries to consider reforms to attract highly skilled workers to Japan, including the introduction of a new system that is “among the best in the world”.
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