Expected April 2026 Guideline Revision: Comprehensive Guide to Stricter Screening of the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Status of Residence (Commonly Known as “Gijinkoku”) | Everything Companies and Foreign Workers Need to Know

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Disclaimer

This article is based on media reports published as of February 27, 2026, and reflects the expected policy direction of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. The actual implementation date, scope, and specific requirements may be subject to change. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your individual circumstances, please consult with a qualified administrative scrivener or immigration attorney.

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Introduction: Why Is the System Changing Now?

On February 27, 2026, according to a report by the Sankei Shimbun, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan is expected to strengthen the screening process for the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” status of residence (hereinafter referred to as “ESHIIS” or “Gijinkoku”). This change is expected to be formalized through a guideline revision as early as April 2026.

For foreign nationals residing in Japan, as well as for business managers and HR personnel of companies employing foreign workers, this change is not a remote or theoretical issue. It has direct and practical implications for current employment situations and future hiring plans.

In this article, from the standpoint of an administrative scrivener specializing in visa applications and status of residence applications, we will provide a thorough and easy-to-understand explanation of the content and background of this policy change, as well as the responses that both companies and foreign workers should take.

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1. What is the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Status of Residence? A Review of the Basics

1-1. Definition and Eligible Occupations

The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence is for foreign nationals engaged in professional occupations requiring certain technical skills or knowledge. Specifically, it covers the following types of positions:

Technical Fields

• Systems Engineer
• Programmer
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Architectural Design Engineer

Humanities Knowledge Fields

• Accounting and Finance Staff
• Marketing Staff
• Planning and Sales Staff
• Legal Affairs Staff

International Services Fields

• Interpreter/Translator
• Language Teacher
• Designer
• International Trade Business Staff

1-2. Requirements for ESHIIS

To obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence, the following requirements must be met:

• Educational Requirements: University graduation or graduation from a Japanese vocational school (with acquisition of the title of Senmonshi)
• Job Content: Engagement in professional work related to one’s educational background
• Compensation: Receiving compensation equal to or greater than that of Japanese nationals

1-3. Current Status of ESHIIS: A Major Status of Residence Held by Approximately 450,000 People

As of the end of June 2025, the number of foreign nationals holding the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence has reached approximately 450,000. This is the second most common status of residence after “Permanent Resident” and occupies an extremely important position in Japan’s labor market.

The background to this recent rapid increase includes labor shortages due to declining birthrates and an aging population, the advancement of globalization, and the growing need for companies to employ foreign professionals.

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2. The Full Picture of This Policy Change: What is Changing and How?

2-1. Major Change ①: Issues with Other Statuses of Residence Will Affect ESHIIS Screening

The most noteworthy aspect of this policy change is the introduction of a cross-status compliance review mechanism.

Specifically, businesses that are prohibited from accepting foreign nationals for five years due to inappropriate conduct such as unpaid wages under other statuses of residence such as Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Training are likely to be denied permission to engage in activities under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence during that period as well.

This represents a major turning point where the screening process, which had been independent for each status of residence, will now be coordinated across categories through a cross-category screening framework.

Practical Impact

• If Company A causes problems with Specified Skilled Workers, new hires under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence are likely to be restricted for five years
• Past history with other statuses of residence will be scrutinized during ESHIIS screening
• A company’s compliance history will have longer-term effects

2-2. Major Change ②: Stricter Management of Worker Dispatch Arrangements

Many problems surrounding the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence occur in worker dispatch arrangements under Japan’s Worker Dispatch Act. There are constant cases where dispatch agencies provide incorrect explanations to client companies that “work outside the specialist field is also possible,” leading to engagement in simple labor.

This change will strengthen management in the following ways:

Thorough Document Submission

• Mandatory submission of dispatch contracts
• Mandatory submission of detailed attendance and working hour records

Enhanced On-Site Investigations

• Increased on-site inspections at client companies
• Cross-referencing of actual work content with contract content

This will make it easier to crack down on situations where “documents show professional work, but reality is simple labor.”

2-3. Major Change ③: The Flow of Overall Status of Residence Optimization

The stricter ESHIIS requirements are not a standalone measure. In the new basic policy on foreign policy decided by the government on January 23, 2025, the following four statuses of residence were identified as requiring optimization:

1. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (current focus)
2. Business Manager (capital requirement already raised from 5 million yen → 30 million yen in October 2024)
3. Student
4. Permanent Resident (new guidelines announced on February 24, 2026)

In other words, Japan’s overall foreign acceptance policy is at a turning point from “quantity to quality.”

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3. Why Is This Change Necessary Now? Understanding the Background of the Policy Change

3-1. Rapidly Increasing ESHIIS and Emerging Problems

The number of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence holders has increased rapidly in recent years. This in itself is a welcome trend as a measure for globalization and labor shortages in Japanese companies.

However, the rapid increase has brought the following problems to light:

Increase in Activities Outside Permitted Status Cases where people employed as professionals are actually engaged in work outside their status of residence scope, such as simple factory work or warehouse packing operations

Unpaid Wages and Low-Wage Problems Cases where appropriate wages are stated in contracts but not actually paid, or workers are made to work at barely minimum wage

Ambiguity of Responsibility Due to Multi-Layered Dispatch Structure Cases involving a multi-layered dispatch structure with a dispatch agency, a client company, and in some cases additional subcontracting entities, making it unclear who is responsible

3-2. The Need to Protect Foreign Workers’ Rights

These problems constitute serious compliance and labor protection concerns for individual foreign workers. Many foreign workers cannot speak up even when subjected to unfair treatment due to language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of legal knowledge.

This policy change can be seen as a measure to protect foreign workers in such vulnerable positions and ensure proper working environments.

3-3. Japan’s International Reputation and Sustainable Foreign Acceptance

The reality of inappropriate foreign employment damages Japan’s international reputation. If a reputation spreads that “Japan uses foreigners as cheap, disposable labor,” excellent foreign talent will stop choosing Japan.

A “proper employment environment” is essential for sustainable foreign acceptance policy. This stricter approach can be seen as a strategic policy shift from a long-term perspective.

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4. What Companies (Managers and HR Personnel) Should Check Immediately

4-1. Comprehensive Review of Your Company’s Foreign Employment Situation

To respond to this policy change, it is important to first accurately grasp your company’s current situation.

Checklist □ Types and numbers of statuses of residence of currently employed foreign nationals □ Contents of each employment contract □ Actual work content being performed □ Consistency between employment contracts and actual work content □ Wage payment status (as contracted, any delays?) □ Working hour record management methods □ In dispatch arrangements, work content at client sites

4-2. “Worker Dispatch Arrangements” Requiring Special Attention

Companies employing foreign nationals through worker dispatch arrangements under Japan’s Worker Dispatch Act need to be especially careful.

Points to Confirm

1. Preparation of Dispatch Contracts

• Is the relationship between dispatch agency, client company, and dispatch worker clear?
• Is the work content specifically described?
• Is the work within the scope of the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence?

2. Maintenance of Detailed Attendance and Working Hour Records

• Are actual working days recorded?
• Are working hours accurately recorded?
• Is overtime properly managed?

3. Actual Work Situation at Client Sites

• Is the worker engaged in work as per the contract?
• Are they not being made to do simple labor outside their specialty?
• Does the client site manager understand the constraints of the status of residence?

4-3. Checking History with Other Statuses of Residence

In preparation for the “cross-status compliance review mechanism” being introduced with this change, review your company’s past foreign acceptance history.

It is important to identify the history over the past five years, such as whether there have been any problems pointed out with Specified Skilled Workers or Technical Intern Training, or whether administrative guidance has been received.

If there have been problems, it is required to identify the causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

4-4. Establishing Internal Systems

To respond to the policy change, it is necessary not just to check, but to build an internal system that can continuously maintain proper employment.

Recommended System Development

• Clarification of the person responsible for foreign employment
• In-house training on basic knowledge of statuses of residence
• Regular verification of consistency between work content and status of residence
• Coordination system with external specialists (such as administrative scriveners)

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5. Rights and Responses That Foreign Workers in Japan Should Know

5-1. Your Rights Are Protected by Law

First, there is something we want foreign nationals in Japan to know.

You have the following rights:

• The right to engage in work as stated in your employment contract
• The right to receive wages as contracted
• The right to work appropriate hours
• The right to consult and seek relief when subjected to unfair treatment

These are guaranteed by laws such as the Labor Standards Act, just as they are for Japanese workers. Just because you are a foreign national does not mean you need to endure unfair treatment.

5-2. These Situations Are “Problematic”: Specific Examples

The following situations may constitute violations of status of residence or labor law:

Work Content Issues

• Hired as a systems engineer but made to do assembly work in a factory
• Hired as an interpreter but made to do cleaning or cargo transport
• Doing work completely different from the contract

Wage Issues

• Wages are not deposited even on payday
• Paid less than the amount stated in the contract
• Overtime pay is not paid
• Fines are deducted without reason

Working Hours Issues

• Almost no days off
• Made to work until late at night every day
• Not allowed to keep records of working hours

5-3. Where to Consult When There Are Problems

If you face problems like those above, don’t worry alone—consult the following immediately:

Consultation with Specialists

• Administrative Scrivener (specialist in visas and status of residence)
• Attorney (specialist in labor issues)
• Social Insurance and Labor Consultant

Consultation with Public Agencies

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan (consultation on status of residence)
• Labor Standards Inspection Office (LSIO) (unpaid wages, working hour issues)
• Foreign Residents Support Centers (multilingual support)

Support Organizations

• Foreign worker support organizations
• Embassies and consulates of respective countries

Some may feel it is difficult to consult due to language issues, but multilingual support is advancing at many consultation windows. We administrative scriveners can also provide support such as arranging interpreters as needed.

5-4. Why This Policy Change Is Good News for You

The stricter screening of the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence is actually “good news” for foreign workers in Japan.

Because this change will:

• Eliminate companies that engage in inappropriate employment
• Make it easier for companies with proper employment to be chosen
• More strongly protect your rights
• Improve working environments

In other words, for foreign workers who are working properly, this means a more secure working environment will be established.

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6. Support We Can Provide as Administrative Scriveners

6-1. Support for Companies

Current Status Assessment Service We assess whether your current foreign employment situation complies with the new standards. If there are problems, we propose specific improvement measures.

Document Preparation Support We support the creation and preparation of documents required for submission, such as dispatch contracts and detailed attendance and working hour records.

Status of Residence Application Agency We handle various applications such as new hires, extension of period of stay, and change of status of residence. We prepare application documents that comply with the new screening standards.

Conducting In-House Training We provide training for HR personnel, lecturing on basic knowledge of statuses of residence and compliance points.

On-Site Investigation Response Advice We advise on how to respond when an on-site investigation from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan occurs.

6-2. Support for Foreign Nationals in Japan

Consultation on Working Environment We check whether there are any problems at your current workplace and whether your status of residence matches your work content, and provide advice.

Consultation on Status of Residence We explain what you can and cannot do with your status of residence, renewal procedures, and the possibility of changing status of residence.

Job Change Support If there are problems at your current workplace, we advise on how to change jobs appropriately while maintaining your status of residence.

Support for Various Applications We support various applications such as extension of period of stay, change of status of residence, and permanent residence permit application.

Multilingual Support We can arrange interpreters as needed and consultations in your native language are also possible.

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7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Will this affect currently employed foreign staff?

A. If you are conducting proper employment, there should generally be no adverse impact. However, since screening during extension of period of stay may become stricter, we recommend reconfirming the consistency between employment contracts and actual work content, wage payment status, etc.

Q2. We employ foreign nationals as dispatch workers. What preparation is needed?

A. Preparation of dispatch contracts and detailed attendance and working hour records is essential. In particular, create and maintain records that accurately document actual working days and hours. Also confirm that the work content at the client site is within the scope of the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence.

Q3. If there were past problems with Specified Skilled Workers, how long will permission under ESHIIS be unavailable?

A. It is expected that if you receive a 5-year suspension of acceptance due to unpaid wages, etc., under Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Training, permission under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence is unlikely to be granted during that period.

Q4. How can I confirm if my company has caused problems in the past?

A. Check past records of administrative guidance and disciplinary actions within your company. If unclear, we recommend consulting a specialist.

Q5. A foreign employee claims they are “being made to do work different from the contract.” How should we respond?

A. First, accurately confirm the facts. If they were indeed engaged in work outside the contract, swift correction is necessary. There may be a violation of status of residence, so we strongly recommend consulting a specialist.

Q6. I hold the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence but realized my current work is simple labor. What should I do?

A. Please consult a specialist urgently. If you continue activities outside your permitted status, your extension of period of stay may not be approved. We can support you in changing to an appropriate workplace, so please consult without worrying alone.

Q7. When will this policy change take effect?

A. Guideline revision is expected as early as April 2026. However, considering the preparation period, we recommend starting response as early as possible.

Q8. Are there benefits for companies conducting proper employment?

A. Yes, there are significant benefits. As inappropriate companies are eliminated, the credibility of proper companies will relatively increase. Also, trust from foreign workers will be easier to obtain, leading to securing excellent talent.

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8. Summary: Turning Policy Change into an “Opportunity”

The stricter screening of the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence may appear to be “tighter regulation” at first glance. However, from a different perspective, this is an important step toward normalizing Japan’s foreign labor market and making it sustainable.

For Companies

For companies conducting proper employment, this is an opportunity to enhance competitive advantage. By leveraging compliance as a competitive strength, they can secure excellent foreign talent and enhance global competitiveness.

On the other hand, for companies continuing gray-zone operations, this is the last opportunity for review. By establishing systems before the April implementation, risks can be avoided.

For Foreign Workers in Japan

A more secure working environment will be established. By correctly understanding your rights and speaking up when there are problems, life in Japan will become better.

The Role of Us Specialists

As administrative scriveners at Niseko Visa Application Support Center, we serve as a bridge between companies and foreign workers, supporting the creation of environments where both can work with peace of mind.

When you feel the system is complex and difficult to understand, when you feel anxious about the current situation, when you are unsure how to respond—at such times, don’t worry alone, please consult a specialist.

We are committed to supporting the development of a compliant and sustainable employment environment where foreign talent working in Japan are properly evaluated and companies can hire and retain foreign talent with confidence.

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Contact Us

For consultations regarding the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status of residence and foreign employment, please feel free to contact us.

An initial consultation is available free of charge.

Reference Article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/96560f494d749ca982670a194a14c4fcc4ccacf8