Hello, everyone. This is Shimoyama of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. Even though it's mid-September, there's no sign of the weather cooling down. I hope everyone is in good health.
According to mid-week reports, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is considering adding the "automobile transportation industry" to the list of eligible industries for the residence status of "specific skills." This consideration is due to a shortage of taxi, bus, and truck drivers.
Under the current residence status, only certain categories of residence permit holders -- such as permanent residents with no work restrictions, those with status-based permits (spouses of Japanese nationals, spouses of permanent residents, etc.), and specific activities (category 46) -- are allowed to engage in driving occupations (driver positions).
However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a trend of retirements among older drivers, particularly in the taxi industry, due to fear of infection. This has led to a shortage of drivers, especially in tourist areas and rural regions. Indeed, I traveled to Aomori this summer and noticed a significant shortage of taxis compared to Tokyo.
Overtime Hours Cap
Regarding truck drivers and similar occupations, there will be a cap on annual overtime hours, limited to 960 hours, starting from April 2024. This may exacerbate the shortage of personnel and cause logistical issues, commonly referred to as the "2024 problem," which is a major concern for the industry.
To address this situation, three organizations, the All Japan Truck Association, Japan Bus Association, and National Limousine and Taxi Association, included plans in their business strategies for the 2023 fiscal year to request the addition of drivers to the list of specific skills. In response, the MLIT is in the process of assessing the scale of the labor shortage, the expected number of foreign workers to be accepted over the next five years, and the development of skill tests tailored to driving occupations, such as loading and unloading goods and communication with passengers.
Challenges for Foreign Drivers
However, there are challenges to overcome. In Japan, to work as a driver for buses and taxis, you need a "Class 2 driving license" in addition to a regular driving license. The exams are conducted only in Japanese, making it a significant hurdle for foreign workers.
Although a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) level N4 or higher is required for the specific skills residence status, it remains doubtful whether this level of Japanese proficiency is sufficient to pass the above-mentioned tests. Additionally, adapting to Japan's road conditions will take time, and establishing training programs within each company or organization will likely be necessary to provide a level of service equivalent to Japanese drivers.
The MLIT is in discussions with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, which oversees the system. We will need to continue monitoring the developments in this matter closely.
