[Vol. 4] Understanding Mandatory Support under the Specified Skilled Worker System: Roles of Host Companies and Registered Support Organizations

Hello everyone, I am Yuko Mori, a Certified Administrative Scrivener (Gyoseishoshi).

Under the Specified Skilled Worker system, host companies are legally required to provide "10 mandatory support items" to help foreign employees live and work smoothly in Japan. These cover a wide range of responsibilities, including airport pick-up and drop-off, assistance with securing housing, life orientation, opportunities for Japanese language learning, and handling consultations or complaints.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan (MOJ):

Specified Skilled Worker Program | Immigration Services Agency of Japan

If a company finds it difficult to execute all these tasks internally, it can entrust them to a "Registered Support Organization." However, even when outsourcing, clear division of roles and close communication between the company and the support organization are crucial. Merely fulfilling these duties as a formal checklist often fails to address the actual concerns of foreign workers, which can lead to early turnover.

Accurately fulfilling these legal obligations is just the starting line for employing foreign talent. In reality, going a step further to provide proactive, customized living support makes all the difference in employee retention and company engagement. In our next column, we will share concrete examples and case studies on how "plus-alpha support" can build long-term success for your organization.