The Japanese government is actively working to expand the sectors open to foreign workers to address its severe labor shortage. This time, the security services sector, where foreign employment visas have historically been restricted, is under consideration.
On September 10, 2026, Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) announced the establishment of an expert panel to discuss whether to add "security services" to the industries eligible for the "Specified Skilled Worker" residency status and the new "Training Employment" system scheduled for introduction in April 2027.
If these discussions conclude positively, it is expected to open up new employment opportunities for foreign residents and international students seeking stable jobs in Japan.
Discussion on Specific Sectors and Qualification Requirements
The newly established panel consists of six experts, including lawyers well-versed in foreign worker acceptance policies, university professors, and representatives from the National Association of Security Companies. The first meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2026.
The panel will discuss in detail which specific areas within the security industry will accept foreign workers. The main areas under consideration are as follows:
- Facility Security: Safety management and patrolling of buildings, commercial facilities, etc.
- Traffic Control: Ensuring the safety of vehicles and pedestrians at construction sites or on roads.
- Cash Transportation: Transporting valuables and cash for financial institutions and other entities.
In addition, the panel will address the specific quota for accepting foreign workers, the level of Japanese language proficiency required for security duties, and skill test standards. The NPA plans to compile a report containing the results of the discussions by January 2027 and request system revisions from relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Justice.
Current System and Employment Status in the Security Industry
Currently, Japan's Security Business Act itself does not contain any nationality restrictions. Therefore, permanent residents, spouses of Japanese nationals, and international students with permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence can already work as security guards in Japan.
However, the acceptance of foreign workers in the security sector has not been permitted under the professional working visa "Specified Skilled Worker" or the existing "Technical Intern Training" program. Consequently, it has been impossible to obtain these visas to work as a security guard on a long-term basis.
If security services are added to the Specified Skilled Worker and Training Employment visas through this system revision, it will pave the way for stable residency status. This will benefit not only foreigners graduating from local vocational schools or universities but also those seeking to enter the country directly from abroad for security jobs.
Background: Severe Labor Shortage with a Job-to-Applicant Ratio of 6.54
The background behind the Japanese government's consideration of expanding visas to the security sector is a labor shortage that has reached its limit. According to data from the NPA, the active job openings-to-applicants ratio (including part-time) for "security occupations," which includes security guards, reached a staggering 6.54 as of July 2026. This means there are approximately 6.5 job openings for every single job-seeking security guard, indicating an explosive demand for labor.
As an aging population and demographic decline make it difficult to manage facility safety and traffic control using only domestic labor, Japan has ultimately turned to attracting foreign talent.
Impact on Foreign Residents in Japan
This discussion on visa revision is a highly positive signal for foreigners currently residing in Japan or planning to move there in the future. In particular, the new "Training Employment" system to be established in April 2027 is structured to train unskilled foreign workers and help them transition to the "Specified Skilled Worker" status, which allows for long-term residency.
If security services are included in this pathway, it will create a new option for diligent foreign workers with Japanese language skills to build a career in the security industry, obtain long-term residency visas, and establish a stable career.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: nippon.com