In June 2023, the Japanese Immigration Services Agency announced that the Cabinet approved the expansion of the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) (SSW-2) route to foreign nationals working in nine additional industries. On 9 June 2023, the Japanese Cabinet decided to expand the SSW-2 status to nine additional industries: building cleaning management; industrial machinery, electric, electronics and information; automobile repair and maintenance; aviation; accommodation; agriculture; fishery and aquaculture; food and beverage manufacturing; and food service. It is not yet known when SSW-2 applications will open for individuals working in these industries. The immigration authorities are expected to release further details in the upcoming months.
A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.