2026-02-25

In the nursing care sector, where labor shortages are particularly severe, accepting foreign workers has become a crucial option. Among these, the “Specified Skilled Worker (Nursing Care)” program is gaining attention as a system enabling the recruitment of immediately employable personnel. This article explains the overview of the Specified Skilled Worker system, the conditions for accepting nursing care workers, and the challenges involved.

What is Specified Skilled Worker?

Specified Skilled Worker is a residence status created to accept foreign nationals possessing certain expertise and skills in fields facing severe labor shortages in Japan. This system began in 2019, with the care sector becoming one of the designated industries.

Specified Skilled Worker consists of “Type 1” and “Type 2,” with “Specified Skilled Worker Type 1” being the category recognized for the care sector. The maximum cumulative period of stay is 5 years, and it targets foreign nationals who possess a certain level of skill and Japanese language ability.

Foreign nationals with Specific Skills in the care sector can engage in all aspects of care work, including physical care. Unlike Technical Intern Training, its purpose is “securing labor force.” Therefore, they are expected to contribute as immediately effective personnel with practical experience. However, insufficient understanding of the system or inadequate reception systems can make smooth employment difficult.

Conditions for Accepting Care Workers

To accept foreign nationals under the Specific Skills (Care) visa, several conditions must be met. First, the foreign national must pass the “Care Skills Assessment Test” and either the “Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N4 or higher)” or the Japanese Language Assessment Test for Care Workers. This ensures a certain level of care skills and Japanese language ability is guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the accepting employer also has requirements. First, the care facility must be a designated business under the Long-Term Care Insurance Act. It must also ensure proper employment contracts are signed and appropriate remuneration levels are maintained. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish support systems for daily living and consultation services so that foreign workers can work with peace of mind.

While these support services can be outsourced to a Registered Support Organization, the ultimate responsibility lies with the accepting employer. Therefore, correctly understanding the system and conducting thorough preparatory work leads to stable employment.

Challenges in Accepting Workers

While accepting care workers through the Specified Skilled Worker program offers many benefits, several challenges exist. A primary one is the “language and cultural barrier.” Even after passing the Japanese language test, workers often struggle with specialized terminology unique to care settings and the nuanced communication required with clients.

Furthermore, confusion over job duties and customs specific to Japanese care settings frequently leads to resignations. Since the Specified Skilled Worker status allows for job changes, it is important to note that retention becomes difficult if foreign workers determine the workplace environment is unsuitable.

Furthermore, if receiving staff lack sufficient understanding of the system or hiring foreign workers, it can lead to unconsciously increased burdens or misunderstandings towards them. To resolve these challenges, it is essential not only to support the foreign workers themselves but also to promote understanding and establish educational systems throughout the entire care facility.

Summary

The Specified Skilled Worker (Care) program is an effective system to address the shortage of care workers. However, correctly understanding the acceptance conditions and challenges is essential. By implementing language and cultural considerations and improving the workplace environment, the retention and long-term success of foreign care workers can be expected.