Japan to Include Aviation in New Foreign Worker Training Scheme

Tokyo officials have submitted a proposal to incorporate the aviation sector into the Employment for Skill Development program slated to launch in April 2027, raising the count of eligible industries to 18. Under the plan, 300 of the 4,900 available aviation positions would fall under the Type I Specified Skilled Worker status, allowing foreign workers to transition to longer-term residency after three years. The proposal will be considered by the Cabinet in December.

The same panel also reviewed the food-service sector, where admissions under the Type I status have been suspended as the industry approaches its 50,000-worker ceiling, currently at about 46,000. The government says economic conditions do not justify raising this limit through fiscal 2028.