The government announced Wednesday that it will start grading skilled foreign workers this spring and granting those with higher marks preferential treatment amid intensifying international competition for human resources.
Justice Minister Hideo Hiraoka told a press conference that he hopes an increase in foreign workers with high-level skills will help to complement Japan’s workforce.
Under the new system, the government will classify professions into three categories — academic research, work requiring highly specialized skills, and management and administration.
It will award up to 30 points to people with doctoral or masters degrees, and up to 25 points to specialists based on the length of their working experience.
Those who obtain 70 points will receive preferential treatment, such as securing a permanent visa if they reside in Japan for around five years in principle, shorter than the current 10 years, and their spouses will also be allowed to work in Japan, the ministry said.
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