The Japanese government said Friday that it will accept up 1,231,900 foreign workers for five years through the end of fiscal 2028 under specified skilled worker residency and skill development programs.

The government added linen supply, distribution, and warehousing, and resources recycling to the list of job sectors in which such foreign workers are allowed to engage in.

The country will accept up to 805,700 foreign workers holding type 1 residency status under the specified skills scheme across 19 fields. The status permits foreign nationals to remain in Japan for a maximum of five years.

Under the new skill development and employment program, scheduled to be launched in fiscal 2027, which begins in April next year, the country will allow up to 426,200 foreigners to enter in 17 fields.

The caps were set by estimating the number of workers needed in each field, subtracting the number expected to be secured domestically and be covered through productivity gains.

The new program, which is set to replace the existing technical intern system for foreigners, aims to help participants reach the level of type 1 residency status holders within three years.

The current technical intern system bans foreign workers from changing workplaces in principle, regulations that have been under fire for leading to poor working conditions. Under the new program, foreign workers will be able to change workplaces after a certain period. (PNA)