Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Immigration Services Agency have announced that they will suspend new applications for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program in the food service sector starting April 13, 2026.
According to the Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign workers in the sector has reached approximately 46,000 (as of February 2026) and is expected to exceed the cap of 50,000 around May. Based on this projection, the government will implement a suspension in line with existing regulations.
What Will Be Suspended
- New applications submitted on or after April 13 will be generally rejected
- Entry of new workers from overseas will be halted
- Changes of status for residents in Japan will be allowed only in limited cases (e.g., former technical interns)
Impact on Businesses
The food service industry in Japan has been facing severe labor shortages, and SSW workers have been increasingly relied upon as a workforce that can quickly become job-ready.
With the suspension, companies may be forced to revise hiring plans, and securing sufficient staff is expected to become more difficult.
Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, may struggle to raise wages to attract Japanese workers. Some operators warn that their businesses may no longer be sustainable without access to foreign labor.
Gap Between Policy and Reality
While the government maintains that priority should be given to hiring domestic workers, the reality on the ground shows a growing dependence on foreign labor. This highlights a gap between policy limits and actual workforce needs.
In addition, the government is considering stricter regulations on international students’ part-time work, which could further worsen labor shortages in the food service sector.
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
Source:Nikkei (Mar 28, 2026)
