Japan Suspends New Visas for Foreign Restaurant Workers Amid Labor Shortages

The Japanese government has suspended the issuance of new visas for foreign specified skilled workers in the restaurant sector as the quota of 50,000 is nearing its limit. This decision, effective from April 13, 2026, follows a report indicating that approximately 46,000 positions had already been filled by late February. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan announced that applications received before this date would still be processed until the quota is reached, but new applications for the "Specified Skilled Worker" Category 1 visa will not be accepted. This marks the first restriction of its kind since the program's inception in fiscal 2019, which aimed to address chronic labor shortages across various sectors, including nursing care and forestry.

The Straits TimesJapan Halts Visas for Foreign Restaurant Workers, Industry Faces Crisis

Japan's specified skilled worker program was introduced to alleviate labor shortages in critical industries. The program allows for two types of visas: Type I, which permits a stay of up to five years, and Type II, which allows for unlimited renewals and a pathway to permanent residency. The food service industry has been particularly reliant on foreign labor, with companies like SFP Holdings and Skylark employing significant numbers of foreign workers.

The Straits Times

The suspension of new visa applications has led to immediate operational challenges within Japan's restaurant industry. SFP Holdings, which operates the izakaya chain "Isomaru Suisan," has indicated that it may reduce operating hours and suspend new store openings due to its reliance on foreign workers from countries like Vietnam and Myanmar. Similarly, Skylark has halted plans to convert part-time international students to full-time positions, reflecting the broader vulnerability of the industry amid severe labor shortages. The job-to-applicant ratio in the food service sector stands at 2.4, indicating more job openings than seekers, further exacerbating the crisis.

Japan Halts Visas for Foreign Restaurant Workers, Industry Faces Crisis

Experts have voiced concerns regarding the sudden cutoff of foreign labor, emphasizing that the issue lies not in the dependency on foreign workers but in the abrupt disruption caused by the visa suspension. They argue that medium- to long-term strategies are necessary to balance the workforce structure. Potential solutions discussed include expanding domestic recruitment, which would require wage increases and improved working conditions, and investing in digital transformation to automate processes. However, these approaches face significant practical limitations.

Japan Halts Visas for Foreign Restaurant Workers, Industry Faces Crisis

The Immigration Services Agency stated that the suspension aligns with the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which mandates halting visa issuance when the quota is expected to be exceeded. Officials have acknowledged the rapid employment of foreign skilled workers in the food service sector but noted the need for ongoing efforts to secure domestic talent.

The Straits Times

The suspension of new visas could extend until March 2029, depending on the labor market's conditions. As the restaurant industry grapples with these challenges, the focus will likely shift towards developing sustainable workforce strategies to mitigate the impact of the current labor shortages.

Japan Halts Visas for Foreign Restaurant Workers, Industry Faces Crisis

“The issue is not foreign labor dependency itself, but rather the shock that a sudden supply cutoff is causing on the ground,” — Industry Expert

Japan Halts Visas for Foreign Restaurant Workers, Industry Faces Crisis