In a landmark shift in immigration policy, Japan has adopted a new foreign worker scheme aimed at addressing serious labour shortages. 

The law, which amends the existing Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law and includes the new “ikusei shuro” (training work) residency status, will take effect in three years.

Under the legislation enacted last Friday, foreign workers who arrive on a three-year trainee visa will be able to upgrade to a Type 1 residency status, granting them a stay of up to five years.