On August 16, 2025, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) announced it will launch an investigation into foreign nationals working under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” (Gijinkoku) visa.
The investigation was prompted by increasing reports of dispatched foreign workers being assigned to “simple labor”, which is not allowed under this visa category.
The ISA has also identified cases of unauthorized work activities and unpaid wages, especially in dispatch work settings. These issues are believed to stem from insufficient employment oversight and inadequate management systems.
The agency plans to convene a panel of experts to develop concrete countermeasures. It also intends to tighten the requirements for the “Business Manager” visa, which is commonly used by foreign entrepreneurs.
What Is the Engineer/Humanities/International Specialist (Gijinkoku) Visa?
This visa allows foreign nationals to engage in professional work in Japan that makes use of their academic background or expertise—such as engineering, translation/interpretation, marketing, sales, accounting, or office work.
As of the end of 2024, about 410,000 foreigners held this visa, a record high and an increase of 56,000 from the previous year. Among them, approximately 40,000 are believed to be working through dispatch agencies.
While most are engaged in legitimate professional duties, some cases have emerged where visa holders are assigned only simple, manual tasks, which is not permitted under the Gijinkoku visa and is now under scrutiny.
For Companies Employing Foreign Nationals – What You Must Know
Confirm the Job Responsibilities
The Gijinkoku visa permits foreign nationals to engage in specialized, professional roles (e.g., engineers, translators, sales staff, marketing, clerical work). Assigning them simple labor such as factory line work could constitute unauthorized activities under Japan’s Immigration Control Act.
Proper Employment Oversight Is Essential
Even when hiring via a dispatch agency, if your company fails to verify the visa type or job content, you may be charged with promoting illegal employment (“fuhou shuurou jokyō zai”).
Even if unintentional, employers may be penalized for negligence alone. Please exercise extreme caution.
Penalties for Promoting Illegal Employment
- Up to 3 years in prison, or a fine of up to ¥3 million, or both.
- As of June 2025, penalties have been strengthened to a maximum of 5 years in prison or a fine of up to ¥5 million.
- In addition to legal consequences, such violations may damage your company’s reputation and affect future licensing or permits.
Strictly verify residence cards and IDs, and ensure that the job matches what the visa permits.
Compliance Checklist
| Item | What to Check |
| Verify Visa Status | Confirm visa type, expiration date, and permitted activities using the original residence card. |
| Confirm Job Responsibilities | Ensure the work qualifies as “professional duties” under the visa. |
| Review Dispatch Contract | Understand the exact job description, contract period, and wages to ensure they match what was approved. |
| Respond Promptly to Issues | If an employee is doing unauthorized tasks or facing wage problems, act immediately to review and adjust the situation. |
Our Support Services
Our immigration law office provides free consultations on a range of residence status matters, including:
- Acquisition or change of residence status
- Bringing family members to Japan
- Permanent residency applications
- Naturalization (Japanese citizenship)
Feel free to contact us anytime.
※Please note: We do not offer job placement services.
Final Note
For companies employing foreign nationals, compliance with immigration laws and establishing appropriate internal systems is essential to avoid legal risks and protect your company’s reputation.
If you are unsure about any aspect of hiring foreign nationals, please do not hesitate to consult us.
Source: KYODO News (August 16, 2025)
🔗 https://news.jp/i/1329420019241566705?c=302675738515047521?c=302675738515047521
