The government recently announced a suspension of new applications for the Specified Skills Worker (Type 1) visa for the food service industry.

This is because the maximum number of applicants, 50,000, has been reached, meaning the originally allocated number was filled faster than expected.

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/ssw/03_00001.html

Applications submitted after April 13th will, in principle, be denied. Furthermore, applications received before April 13th will require adjustments to the number of applicants, prioritizing domestic applications, and potentially leading to guidance towards designated activities (with restrictions), which is expected to cause confusion on the ground.

Therefore, our company will temporarily suspend accepting applications from individuals who do not currently hold the Specified Skills Worker (Type 1) visa and are seeking employment in the food service industry.

However, we can continue to assist those already working under the Specified Skills Worker (Type 1) visa who are seeking a career change; please contact us for further information.

Please note that further developments may occur depending on future government policies. Thank you very much.