The technical intern training programme was officially about transferring skills to developing countries. In practice it supplied labour, and it drew sustained criticism for abuse, debt to brokers and the near-total ban on changing employer. In June 2024 the Diet passed amendments to abolish it and create a new residence status, ikusei shuro, which takes effect on 1 April 2027.
The new system says openly that its aim is to secure and develop workers for labour-short industries. Workers are employed for, in principle, three years, during which they are expected to reach the skill and Japanese language level for Specified Skilled Worker type 1. The fields are aligned with those of the Specified Skilled Worker system, so there is a clear path from one to the other. Workers can transfer to another employer in the same field at their own wish after a minimum period, set at one to two years depending on the field, provided they meet skill and language conditions. The supervising organisations of the old system are replaced by licensed supervision and support organisations with stricter independence rules.
Interns already in Japan on 1 April 2027 can continue their training under the old rules, so the two systems will run side by side for several years.
What it means for a foreign employer
- It is relevant only for operational roles. Like technical intern training, it is not a route for professional or management staff.
- Retention becomes a real issue. Because workers can move after the minimum period, employers that relied on a captive workforce will need to compete on pay and conditions.
- Expect more scrutiny of brokers. The new rules aim to reduce the fees workers pay in their home countries. Employers that use intermediaries should check how they are paid.
- Plan the transition now. Group companies with intern programmes in Japan need to decide whether to move to the new system or to Specified Skilled Worker hiring.
Sources
- Act Partially Amending the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Technical Intern Training Act, enacted June 2024.
- Immigration Services Agency and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, guidance on the Employment for Skill Development system.
- Japan International Trainee and Skilled Worker Cooperation Organization, information on the new system.