[Benefits and Considerations for Companies] Is It Possible to Opt Out of Using a Registered Support Organization Under the Specified Skilled Worker Program?
As Japanese companies begin accepting foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker Program, there is growing interest in the option of “not using a Registered Support Organization.” This article provides a clear explanation of whether this is possible, the conditions involved, and the pros and cons of providing support in-house.
Is It Possible to Operate Without a Registered Support Organization Under the Specific Skills Program?
To put it simply, it is possible to operate without a Registered Support Organization under the Specific Skills Program. However, this is contingent upon the host company having the necessary infrastructure in place to implement a support plan on its own.
Specifically, the company must be able to appropriately provide life orientation, counseling, and Japanese language learning support to the foreign workers. If the company cannot properly carry out these duties, it will be required to outsource them to a Registered Support Organization.
Therefore, while the choice to “not use a Registered Support Organization” is technically available, there are significant practical hurdles. This is particularly true for companies accepting foreign workers for the first time, for whom understanding the system and establishing the necessary infrastructure are critical.
What Are the Benefits of Not Using a Registered Support Organization?
The primary benefit of not using a Registered Support Organization is cost reduction. Since the fees for outsourcing are eliminated, there are significant long-term economic benefits.
Additionally, by providing support directly in-house, communication with foreign workers becomes closer, which may lead to improved retention rates. Furthermore, the ability to offer flexible support tailored to the company’s specific operations and corporate culture is another advantage.
For example, by providing Japanese language instruction and lifestyle support tailored to the workplace, more practical assistance becomes possible. Thus, for companies that prioritize proactive talent development, “not using a registered support agency” is a viable option.
Points to Note When Not Using a Registered Support Organization
On the other hand, there are many points to be cautious about when not using a Registered Support Organization. First, since the company must bear the full burden of support operations, securing and training staff is essential.
Furthermore, violations of laws and regulations or insufficient support can lead to risks such as suspension of recruitment. Additionally, specialized knowledge is required to handle disputes with foreign workers and to understand administrative procedures.
This can be particularly challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where a lack of personnel and expertise may pose significant obstacles. Therefore, if handling these matters in-house proves difficult, it is important to consider utilizing a registered support agency rather than trying to manage everything on your own.
Summary
While it is possible to operate under the Specified Skilled Worker program without using a registered support agency, establishing a robust internal system is essential. For companies, this approach offers benefits such as cost savings, but it also comes with additional burdens and risks. It is crucial to select the optimal method based on your company’s specific circumstances.
