#Japan #Tokyo #Global Hub #Specified Skilled Worker #Plan・Do・See

Report on the Seminar: "Understanding the Specified Skilled Worker Visa 2"

In an effort to enhance the hiring and retention of foreign talent, Linc Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has held an informative seminar titled "Understanding the Specified Skilled Worker Visa 2". This event was co-hosted with Plan・Do・See Global, a hospitality company that has successfully integrated over 200 foreign employees. The seminar took place online on July 30, 2026, aiming to address the latest developments in the visa application system that impacts the food service industry.

Background of the Seminar

On March 27, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries alongside the Immigration Services Agency announced a temporary halt on new applications for the Specified Skilled Worker Visa 1 in the food sector, which took effect on April 13, 2026. This decision was prompted due to the applicant cap of 50,000 being nearly reached, with approximately 46,000 registered by the end of February (a striking 92% completion rate).

Given this backdrop, the seminar served as a vital resource for HR professionals and executives in the food industry. Many expressed the desire to transition to the Visa 2 framework but were uncertain where to begin. This seminar provided practical insights through real-life examples from businesses that have navigated similar challenges.

Key Highlights of the Seminar

The seminar was structured into several informative segments:

1. ### Understanding Visa 2's Importance Amidst Visa 1's Suspension
The session began with a discussion on the importance of Visa 2, introduced in June 2023. Unlike Visa 1, Visa 2 has no upper limit on the duration of stay and allows family accompaniment. However, it comes with elevated expectations regarding employee oversight and management. The present status showed about 250 Visa 1 holders within Plan・Do・See, with only 40 successfully transitioning to Visa 2. This highlighted a significant shift that many businesses will soon face.

2. ### Coordinating Internal Adjustments
Next, the attendees were introduced to the internal adjustments that happened during the initial rollout of Visa 2. It was revealed that recommendation standards were initially left to the discretion of individual store managers, which led to perceptions of unfairness among employees. To remedy this, the company developed a structured list of essential criteria, improving transparency and aligning expectations through regular check-ins. They introduced a "Skill Up Sheet," available in multiple languages, to clarify expectations from day one of employment.

3. ### Sustaining Recruitment Efforts
The discussion then shifted to retention strategies. A common misconception was that candidates needed two years of experience from the date of hire, rather than significant relevant experience at a Japanese establishment. Plan・Do・See has created a structured path whereby employees are groomed for managerial roles by year four, ensuring proper skills and tenure before attempting the Visa 2 exam. The focus was on defining roles and responsibilities clearly, emphasizing the necessity of engaging and retaining core talent post-certification.

In the latter half, Linc highlighted additional strategies such as actively recruiting Visa 2 candidates through targeted job fairs. Participants remarked on the quality of inquiries received during these events, indicating a robust interest and potential for high-caliber candidates.

Conclusion

The insights shared during the seminar not only illuminated the procedural changes linked to the Specified Skilled Worker Visa 2 but also inspired attendees to adopt strategic frameworks to enhance both recruitment and employee retention effectively. Full details, such as the methodology behind the "Skill Up Sheet" and other practical examples, are available in the complete seminar report.

For further information, visit Linc’s news page. It is important to note that the content of this report is based on the participants’ insights and the regulatory information available at the time of the seminar.

About Linc Inc.

• - Company Name: Linc Inc.
• - Headquarters: 1-7-4 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 4th floor Koei Building
• - Representative: Shoyou Naka
• - Main Services: Supporting foreign talent in education, employment, and various life events in Japan.
• - Website: Linc Corporate | Linc Global Hub

For inquiries, contact:
Linc Inc. Public Relations
Email: [email protected]