Following a shortage of workers in the transportation industry, the Japanese government has announced that it will soon permit foreign workers in transport industry to qualify for the skilled worker visa, VisaGuide reported on Monday.

Japan will add new roles to its Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 Visa mainly in road transportation, railways, forestry, and the timber industry.

The move will facilitate their pathway for work migration to Japan.

The decision, yet to be implemented, would be the first since 2019 and bring the total number of eligible industries for this type of visa to 16.

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According to the Japanese authorities, the country is in need of foreign workers in positions such as taxi, bus, and truck drivers in the road transportation sector.

In the railway sector, train drivers, conductors, railcar builders, and station attendants are required in the country.

Faced with a shortage of workers, the country might need additional labourers across all industries as its new rules will take effect in April.

The country plans to tighten rules on overtime working hours which are likely to lead the country needing more foreign workers.

Meanwhile, reports said that the government was considering expanding the eligibility for the visa for other professions including food and beverage production industry.

As soon as changes become effective, it is expected that a high number of foreigners will apply for skilled worker visas to Japan.