The Japanese government is implementing a significant restructuring of its foreign worker admission framework, introducing a new training system to replace the contentious Technical Internship Program. Under this revamped approach, authorities plan to cap employee admissions at approximately 426,000 participants during the initial two-year implementation phase.
This policy shift, directed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, seeks to alleviate critical labor shortages across essential industries while implementing stricter enforcement measures against visa overstays. The updated program creates a pathway for participants to advance to Specified Skilled Worker status, facilitating extended residency periods.
Japan’s revised immigration strategy projects admitting 805,000 workers by March 2029—a reduction from the originally planned 820,000—reflecting the nation’s ongoing struggle with demographic aging and persistent workforce deficits. The restructured system will encompass 17 sectors, including agriculture and construction, representing a consolidation from the current 19 covered industries.
The visa framework introduces two distinct categories: Type I visas permitting stays of up to five years, and Type II visas offering unlimited renewal opportunities alongside eligibility for permanent residency. Current Immigration Services Agency data reveals 333,000 Type I visa holders and 449,000 technical interns residing in Japan as of June 2025, highlighting the substantial scale of Japan’s foreign workforce initiative.