2026-01-19

Naha City actively accepts foreign workers, particularly in the tourism and nursing care sectors. For companies utilizing the Specified Skilled Worker system, selecting a registered support agency is crucial. This article explains how to choose a support agency, considering the characteristics of Naha City’s industries.

What is a Registered Support Organization for Specified Skilled Foreigners?

A Registered Support Organization for Specified Skilled Foreigners is a specialized agency that provides support in daily life and employment for foreign nationals working under the “Specified Skilled Worker” residence status. Registered with the Ministry of Justice, these organizations act on behalf of the receiving company to implement support plans, provide Japanese language learning support, secure housing, establish consultation systems, and more.

Particularly in Okinawa Prefecture and Naha City, demand for specific skilled foreign workers is high in industries such as tourism, accommodation, food service, and nursing care. Utilizing an appropriate registered support agency is therefore essential. Accepting workers without a thorough understanding of the system can lead to inadequate administrative procedures and living support, potentially resulting in low retention rates and disputes.

Registered support agencies are not mere intermediaries; they serve as bridges between foreign workers and host companies. Therefore, a crucial point is whether they possess thorough expertise not only in the Specified Skilled Worker system but also in residence status, acceptance procedures, and immigration control matters.

Characteristics of Naha City’s Industrial Structure

Naha City is the central city of Okinawa Prefecture, characterized by an industrial structure heavily reliant on the tourism industry. A concentration of lodging, food service, and retail businesses exists around Naha Airport and Kokusai Street. Alongside increasing inbound demand, labor shortages have become pronounced.

Furthermore, chronic labor shortages are severe in logistics, construction, cleaning services, nursing care facilities, and medical-related services. These sectors overlap with the fields covered by the “Specified Skilled Worker” program, making Naha a region where foreign workers are expected to play an active role.

Furthermore, Naha City is experiencing an increase in foreign tourists and resident foreigners. From the perspective of multicultural coexistence, establishing appropriate support systems is essential. The presence of registered support agencies capable of providing assistance that enables foreign workers to settle into the local community, while understanding differences in language and lifestyle, should be a significant source of reassurance for both local businesses and foreign workers.

How to Choose a Registered Support Agency for Specified Skilled Foreign Workers

When accepting specified skilled foreign workers in Naha City, choosing the right registered support agency is critically important.

First, it is essential to confirm that the agency is a legitimate Registered Support Organization registered with the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, it is important to verify whether the agency has a track record of support in Okinawa Prefecture and Naha City, and whether it is knowledgeable in the relevant fields (such as nursing care, lodging, food service, construction, etc.). Compare and evaluate the specific support services offered, including communication systems with foreign nationals, Japanese language education support, lifestyle consultation services, and the availability of a 24-hour contact system. Clarity of fees, explanations of contracts, and policies for handling disputes are also vital points to verify.

Support agencies deeply familiar with Naha City’s local conditions, housing market, and transportation environment should have strengths in supporting the retention of foreign talent. Therefore, it is crucial to make a comprehensive selection based on factors like “high employment retention rates,” “ongoing support for the company,” and “practical experience with immigration procedures,” rather than choosing solely based on low cost.

Summary

In Naha City, accepting Specified Skilled Foreign Workers is increasingly becoming a practical human resources strategy. Selecting the right registered support agency can reduce company burdens and achieve the retention of foreign talent. Above all, choosing a reliable agency with deep knowledge of local conditions is paramount.