Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program has reached a record high of 390,296 participants, according to official immigration data. The program was introduced in April 2019 to address severe labor shortages in specific sectors by expanding the acceptance of foreign nationals.
The latest figures, current as of the end of 2025, show a significant increase from previous years. The program covers 14 sectors, including nursing care, food service, manufacturing, and agriculture, where domestic labor supply is insufficient.
Government data indicates that the majority of workers under this program come from Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The program offers two statuses, with the possibility for some workers to renew their visas indefinitely and bring family members, marking a shift in Japan's traditionally restrictive immigration policies.
Analysts cite Japan's aging population and shrinking workforce as the primary drivers for the program's expansion. The record number highlights the country's growing reliance on foreign labor to maintain economic stability.
