The Ministry of Justice’s Enhanced E-7-4 Visa Program for Skilled Workers
Since its inception in 2017, the E-7-4 visa program has played a pivotal role in enabling foreign workers engaged in long-term, essential labor to transition to extended employment visas that recognize their accumulated skills. Initially, this program facilitated a status change for 1,000 to 2,000 applicants, with an ambitious target of 3,000 for the year 2023. However, as labor shortages persisted across various sectors, the Ministry of Justice made a decisive move to expedite the selection of skilled workers. Remarkably, the initial quota of 3,000 was filled in the first half of the year, and plans are already underway for additional selections in the latter half.
This proactive initiative is designed to ensure a consistent influx of skilled labor to support key industries. For comprehensive details regarding the expansion of the E-7-4 visa program to accommodate up to 30,000 individuals in the latter half of 2023, I encourage you to click on the link at the end of this article.
Improvements to the E-7-4 Visa Program
In recognition of the vital contributions foreign workers make to our economy, we are implementing several enhancements to the E-7-4 visa program. These adjustments aim to facilitate smoother settlement processes for foreign laborers and ensure stable employment opportunities across various industries.
Key Improvements
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Relaxation of Status Change Requirements
One of the most notable improvements is the reduction of the work experience requirement for applicants. Previously, individuals needed to have worked a minimum of five years before being eligible for a change in status. This threshold has now been lowered to four years, allowing those with lesser experience a fair chance at attaining skilled status. -
Broadened Employment Scope Based on Company Size
Additionally, the criteria for hiring foreign workers will now vary according to the size of the employing company. Previously, the cap was set at a maximum of eight foreign hires, regardless of company scale. Under the new guidelines, companies can now employ foreign workers, allowing for up to 20% of their total workforce. This figure can reach up to 30% in foundational industries and regions outside the capital area, thus providing businesses with enhanced flexibility. -
Expanded Selection of Skilled Workers
To effectively address industry demands, the selection process for skilled workers has also been expedited. Originally planned to select 5,000 candidates, the aim is now to complete selections by the end of July 2023, dramatically increasing the number of chosen candidates from the second quarter’s 625 to an impressive total of 3,000. Further expansions are anticipated as we move into the third quarter and beyond.
Application Period and Processes for E-7-4 Visa Change
A new recruitment period has been introduced for foreign workers aspiring to transition to E-7-4 status. While the original application deadline was set for June, this opportunity allows individuals to apply from June 27 (Tuesday) to July 5 (Wednesday).
Scoring Insights and Conclusion
The E-7-4 visa program operates on a points-based system, with around 600 positions available for regular recruitment. This means that only candidates who achieve high scores typically qualify. For example, during the first quarter, only candidates scoring 74 points or higher were eligible for selection among the limited 625 spots.
However, with the significant increase in available positions to nearly 3,000, it is now likely that candidates meeting the minimum threshold of 52 points will have another opportunity to apply.
The Ministry of Justice remains committed to continuous improvements in the E-7-4 visa program, driven by feedback from various industries and local governments. This approach ensures that foreign workers are supported in their integration into the job market, allowing them to receive due recognition for their skills while securing stable employment opportunities.
For those interested, a scoring calculation tool for the February 2024 implementation standard can be found here.
Further Reading
- Application Period and Preparation for Foreign E-7-4 Visa (Updated June 2023)
- Calculate Your E-7-4 Visa Points
For more details on the expansion of the E-7-4 visa program to 30,000 candidates, click here.
This enhanced visa program represents a significant development in addressing labor shortages and bolstering our workforce’s skill set, making it a vital opportunity for foreign workers.