Visas and Foreign Employment
Statistical reports from the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) of Japan show ongoing adjustments in the issuance and criteria for working visas within the food service sector.
1. Stricter Screenings for "Skilled Labor" Visas
For the "Skilled Labor" visa, which requires proof of at least 10 years of professional experience for foreign cooks, screening processes have become more stringent.
The immigration authorities have increased documentation requirements, verifying not only employment certificates from the country of origin but also tax records and bank remittance history to ensure authenticity.
*Data indicates that processing times for these applications remain extended compared to historical averages.*
2. Expansion of "Specified Skilled Worker" Status
Conversely, the number of foreign nationals operating under the "Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Food Service Industry)" status has seen a steady increase. Unlike the "Skilled Labor" visa, this status requires applicants to pass the Food Service Industry Proficiency Test and a designated Japanese language test rather than proving decade-long experience.
Legal Scope of Duties Under Current Regulations:
| Skilled Labor: | Restricted strictly to food preparation and cooking duties. |
| Specified Skilled (i): | Legally permitted to engage in a broader range of restaurant operations, including customer service, cash register operations, and general management tasks, in addition to cooking. |
