Japan’s official visa and residence fees are relatively low compared with many major countries. However, the real cost for foreign nationals includes translations, certificates, professional fees, renewal frequency, and the risk of refusal or reapplication.
Based on Japan’s 2025 refugee statistics and the “Zero Illegal Stay Plan,” this article explains how Japan’s refugee system is currently operated, focusing on refugee recognition, complementary protection, humanitarian permission, Designated Activities, and practical risks for applicants.
This article explains the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) category in the transportation sector, including requirements, Japanese language standards, employer conditions, and key practical considerations.
In April 2026, Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program saw two contrasting developments. The food manufacturing sector added “meat retail” to its list of eligible industries, allowing meat retailers with on-site processing to hire SSW workers. At the same time, the food service sector hit its cap of 50,000 SSW-1 workers—about 46,000 were already in Japan by the end of February 2026—prompting the Immigration Services Agency to halt new applications from April 13, 2026. This article explains the background, practical implications and outlook for both changes.
