2024 Specified Skilled Visa Revisions: Impact on the Security Industry

What is the 2024 Specified Skilled Worker System Revision?

The Specified Skilled Worker visa system was established in 2019 against the backdrop of Japan's serious labor shortage, with the aim of accepting foreign human resources who can become immediate assets in the workforce.

Then, in March 2024, the government conducted a major review of the system, deciding on important revisions such as the expansion of acceptance fields and the reconfiguration of acceptance quotas.

Main Revision Points

① Expansion of Target Fields

Four new fields have been added to the target industries, which previously comprised 12 fields, expanding the total to 16 fields.

The newly added fields include transportation, railways, and forestry, and it is expected that the utilization of foreign human resources will progress in even more industries going forward.

② Reconfiguration of Acceptance Quotas

The acceptance quotas for foreign nationals over the five-year period from 2024 onward have been reconfigured for each field, making it possible to secure human resources more proactively.

③ Strengthened Responsibilities of Companies

Companies accepting foreign workers are now clearly required to create an environment where foreign nationals can work with peace of mind and to contribute to the realization of a harmonious society.

Impact on the Security Industry

1. Expanded Possibilities for Utilizing Foreign Human Resources

Currently, the security industry is limited as an official target field for Specified Skilled Worker status. However, due to the expansion of related fields (such as construction and building maintenance), the trend of utilizing foreign human resources is also strengthening in the security industry.

2. A New Option for Resolving Labor Shortages

The security industry suffers from chronic labor shortages, making the expansion of the Specified Skilled Worker system a significant opportunity.

Particularly in tasks heavily reliant on manpower, such as traffic guidance and facility security, the utilization of foreign human resources is a realistic solution.

3. Intensified Competition for Hiring

With the increase in target fields, the competition to secure foreign human resources will become more intense. Like other industries, security companies will also need to offer attractive working environments and career support.

Key Points for Accepting Companies

① Strengthening Japanese Language and Job Training

Accurate communication is essential in security work. It is important to develop Japanese language skills that enable workers to handle radio communication and reporting tasks.

② Establishing a Livelihood Support System

Under the Specified Skilled Worker system, companies or registered support organizations are obligated to provide livelihood support.

③ Long-Term Career Design

Specified Skilled Worker (No. 1) status is valid for up to five years, but career support that looks ahead to transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker (No. 2) status, for example, leads to improved retention rates.

Future Outlook

The Japanese government has indicated a policy of continuing to expand the acceptance of foreign human resources, and it is expected that the system will become more flexible and target fields will be further expanded.

In the security industry as well, it is highly likely that the utilization of foreign human resources will progress through addition as an official target field or through collaboration with related fields.

Conclusion

The 2024 revision of the Specified Skilled Worker system is not merely a system change, but a major turning point that will impact the entire Japanese labor market.

For the security industry, this brings about important changes such as:

• New opportunities for securing human resources
• Changes in the competitive environment
• The need to strengthen acceptance frameworks

Going forward, strategies that look beyond just "hiring" to encompass "education, retention, and utilization" will be required.