【Answering Your Questions About Specified Skilled Workers!】What Are the Costs Involved in Accepting Them?
The Specified Skilled Worker system is gaining attention as a solution to labor shortages. However, many companies are likely concerned about the actual costs involved when accepting foreign workers. This article clearly explains the overview of the Specified Skilled Worker system and breaks down the costs involved in accepting them.
What is the Specified Skilled Worker Program?
“Specified Skilled Worker” refers to a residence status allowing foreign nationals with certain specialized knowledge or skills to work for companies in industries facing severe labor shortages.
The eligible industries include 12 sectors such as nursing care, food service, lodging, construction, and agriculture. Established in April 2019, this program aims to accept foreign workers who can contribute immediately and support the future development of the Japanese economy.
There are two categories: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 allows for up to 5 years of employment and permits job changes within certain limits. Type 2 requires more advanced skills but allows for family reunification and extension of the stay period.
Host companies are obligated to comply with laws and regulations and provide living support. This system aims not just to secure labor but to realize a society of coexistence.
What are the costs involved in accepting workers?
Accepting foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program requires various initial and operational costs. Major expense items include: ① Fees for outsourcing to a registered support agency, ② Pre-entry procedure costs (document preparation, residence status application, etc.), ③ Travel expenses and housing preparation costs, ④ Costs for Japanese language education and living support, etc.
When a company outsources support services to a registered support agency, monthly support fees of approximately ¥20,000 to ¥30,000 per person are typically required. Additionally, companies often bear costs like housing contract deposits and preparing essential living items, meaning total initial expenses can reach several hundred thousand yen.
These costs are essential for creating a secure working environment for foreign nationals and represent an investment in securing long-term human resources.
How much does it cost?
The costs for accepting Specified Skilled Workers vary significantly depending on the industry and the method of acceptance. However, as a rough guideline, initial costs are approximately ¥300,000 to ¥700,000 per person, with monthly operational costs (including support fees and housing expenses) around ¥20,000 to ¥50,000.
For example, when outsourcing to a registered support agency, annual expenditures of around ¥300,000 are required, including application support fees and living support costs. On the other hand, establishing an in-house support system can reduce costs but requires knowledge and expertise in managing foreign workers.
Costs also vary depending on the recruitment route. Using local recruitment or dispatch agencies may add travel expenses and agency fees. To determine appropriate costs, it is crucial to obtain quotes from multiple support agencies and dispatch agencies.
Summary
Accepting foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program involves certain costs, such as initial fees and support expenses. However, by fully understanding the purpose of this system and collaborating with reliable support agencies, companies should be able to achieve stable workforce acquisition and smooth employment management.
