Proud Partners Launches Comprehensive Support for Transition to Specified Skilled Worker Category 2 in Eating Out Sector

Comprehensive Support from Proud Partners for Category 2 Transition in the Dining Sector

Proud Partners, a leading company specializing in labor support for foreign skilled individuals in Japan's dining sector, has officially rolled out its support service aimed at facilitating the transition to the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Category 2. This initiative comes in response to the recent halt on new admissions for Category 1 workers announced by the Japanese government.

Background of the Initiative

Since the introduction of the Specified Skilled Worker system in 2019, Proud Partners has been actively involved in helping dining enterprises in Japan secure and retain skilled foreign workers. The company has successfully supported approximately 260 dining establishments and over 640 foreign skilled workers to date.

With the upcoming restrictions on Category 1 admissions effective from April 13, 2026, characterized by a ceiling of 50,000 active workers, the demand for transitioning skilled workers to Category 2 has taken precedence. Proud Partners aims to leverage its accumulated expertise and resources to aid businesses in maintaining their workforce.

Details of the Support Service

The Specified Skilled Worker Category 2 permits skilled foreign nationals to engage in high-level tasks within the dining sector, including restaurant management, cooking, and customer service, requiring at least two years of management experience.

The support service offers:

- Consulting to confirm requirements for transitioning to Category 2.
- Coordination and management of examination dates for the practical skills test and the Japanese language proficiency test (N3 or higher).
- Courses for preparation for the aforementioned tests.
- Application support for the tests, including representation services.

The fee for this comprehensive support is set at 150,000 yen per person (excluding tax).

Targeted Demographic for Support

This service is tailored for foreign skilled individuals on the following statuses who meet the necessary requirements:

- Technical Intern Trainees (Trainees)
- Individuals with Category 1 status
- Foreign professionals in fields like technical and international business

Expected Benefits

For dining establishments, this transition service helps to:
1. Prevent the loss of skilled foreign workforce.
2. Reduce costs associated with re-hiring and training.
3. Foster core personnel for effective restaurant management.
4. Mitigate the stresses resulting from changes in foreign employment regulations.

For foreign skilled workers, the service allows them to:
1. Engage in long-term employment opportunities.
2. Enhance their career prospects.
3. Prepare confidently for the Category 2 exams.
4. Explore possibilities for family accompaniment.

Context of Employment Restrictions

The Japanese government, through the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, announced a restriction on new applications for Category 1 workers after recognizing that the limit of 50,000 had been reached by March 27, 2026. This legislative action highlights a long-standing challenge in the dining sector — a significant disparity between the demand for skilled workers and the restrictive quotas established for foreign labor.

Conclusion

Proud Partners envisions the Japanese dining industry as a vibrant cultural hub fostering both culinary excellence and diverse employment opportunities. With the advent of the Category 2 transition support service, we aim to bridge the gap in employment, thus ensuring the sustainability of dining enterprises while providing skilled foreign workers with enhanced opportunities for professional growth.

For inquiries concerning the transition service or additional information, please reach out via the provided contact links below.

About Proud Partners

Founded in 2012, Proud Partners is dedicated to implementing fair opportunities for foreign skilled talent while helping to address the labor shortages in pivotal sectors, particularly dining and construction. The company is committed to sustaining a diverse workforce and empowering individuals to build their lives in Japan, irrespective of their birthplace.