Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Immigration Services Agency announced on March 27 that the acceptance of foreign workers under the “Specified Skilled Worker” program in the food service industry will be suspended starting April 13. The number of foreign residents in this category has surged and is expected to reach the cap of 50,000.
This marks the first long‑term suspension since the program was introduced in 2019. For restaurants and catering companies, the decision means they can no longer rely on additional foreign hires, highlighting the widening gap between labor shortages and regulatory limits.
Industry representatives expressed concern. A major restaurant chain noted that the sudden decision forces them to accelerate current recruitment and reconsider future plans. A catering company serving hospitals and elderly care facilities warned that without foreign staff, cafeteria operations could become unsustainable.
The Specified Skilled Worker system allows foreigners with certain skills to work in sectors officially recognized as facing labor shortages. Each ministry sets a maximum number of workers based on projected needs. As of November 2025, 375,044 people were working under the “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” status, well below the overall cap of 805,700. However, the situation differs by sector. Food service had already reached 42,396 workers by late 2025, and by February 2026 the figure had risen to about 46,000—on track to exceed the 50,000 limit by May.
The suspension means that applications filed after April 13 will be rejected. Even applications submitted by April 12 from overseas may face delays, as priority will be given to status changes for those already residing in Japan.
Similar measures were taken in April 2022 when the industrial machinery sector exceeded its cap, but acceptance resumed within two months after quotas were adjusted. Officials now expect the food service suspension to last much longer.
Critics argue that the cap set by the agriculture ministry was too low, but the government has been cautious about expanding foreign employment. Officials stress that companies should first improve working conditions to attract Japanese workers. They also note that foreign workers under this program account for just over 1% of the food service workforce, which totals 4.05 million.
In reality, small and medium‑sized businesses dominate the industry, with limited capital and rising costs, making wage increases difficult. Foreign workers in food service grew by 53% in less than a year, far outpacing other sectors. Many employers valued them for their full‑time commitment and quick adaptation.
With the suspension, companies may turn to hiring international students for part‑time work. Students already make up more than half of the 202,000 foreign workers in food service, and there is currently no cap on their employment. However, the government has signaled plans to tighten rules on student work permits, raising concerns that both channels of foreign labor could be restricted.
Other industries may face similar challenges. Food manufacturing had already reached 69% of its quota by late 2025, and construction 64%. The risk of further suspensions looms, underscoring the tension between Japan’s labor needs and its immigration policies.
(Source: Nikkei, March 28, 2026)
Global University in Japan view:
Looking ahead, it seems that part‑time work opportunities for international students in Japan may become more limited than before. During their studies, it will be important for students to focus on their academic field, improve their Japanese language skills, and prepare for future career paths.
Of course, international students must take responsibility for their own financial planning. At the same time, Japanese universities should strengthen scholarship programs so that talented students can continue to choose Japan as their study destination. By offering both academic support and financial assistance, Japan can ensure that international students thrive and contribute to the country’s global development.
