The Japanese government has decided to expand the scope of its new "Training and Employment" (Ikusei Shuryo) residency status for foreign talents seeking specific job-seeking and visa pathways. At a government expert panel meeting held on September 9, 2026, a draft revision of the operational policy was proposed to add the "aviation field"—previously covered under the "Specified Skilled Worker" visa—to the new "Training and Employment" visa scheduled for introduction in April 2027.
This measure is expected to bring new opportunities for foreign international students and job seekers dreaming of entering the Japanese aviation industry.
Addition of Airport Ground Handling and Quota Allocation
Under this amendment, "airport ground handling," an area facing particularly severe labor shortages within the aviation sector, will be included in the Training and Employment visa. Airport ground handling is a crucial role in airport operations, involving tasks such as supporting the loading and unloading of aircraft cargo on runways and aprons, and operating ground handling equipment.
However, the government has decided to maintain the existing overall cap of 4,900 people for the entire aviation sector, combining both the Specified Skilled Worker and Training and Employment visas. Instead, the quota will be allocated between the visa types within this cap. Specifically, 4,600 slots will be allocated to "Specified Skilled Worker No. 1" for skilled personnel, while 300 slots will be allocated to the newly established "Training and Employment" visa.
Training and Employment Visa Expands to 18 Sectors
With the addition of the aviation sector, the number of target sectors for the Training and Employment visa system, which will be fully implemented in April 2027, has increased to 18. This means a foundation has been laid for foreign talents to learn skills from the basics and build long-term careers across various industries in Japan.
In addition to adding the aviation sector, the government is also pushing to expand the scope of work for four previously designated sectors. The target sectors are as follows:
- Industrial products manufacturing
- Construction
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Fisheries
For these four sectors, the government plans to supplement the system by adding new work classifications and duties in line with changing times and industrial demands, allowing foreign workers to experience a wider range of tasks.
Future Schedule and Preparation
Based on the amendment discussed at this expert panel meeting, the Japanese government aims to make a final decision through a Cabinet approval (Kakugi Kettei) by December 2026.
Following the official decision, detailed reviews of the specific exam content and evaluation criteria to assess the skills and Japanese language proficiency required for the Training and Employment visa will begin in earnest. Therefore, foreigners wishing to secure long-term employment in Japan's aviation, manufacturing, or construction industries need to carefully check and prepare for the exam schedules and qualification requirements for each industry to be announced in the future.
As the new Training and Employment visa system aims to systematically nurture foreign talent and assist their transition to the Specified Skilled Worker visa rather than merely securing simple labor, it will serve as an important turning point for those seeking to build a stable career in Japan.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: nippon.com