Restaurant operators in Japan have been forced to review their approach to hiring foreign workers since the government suspended the issuance of special visas needed to work in the sector, as the number of holders nears its preset quota.

The sudden suspension by Japan’s immigration authorities has raised the spectre of fierce competition for foreign talent. Long known for its strict immigration policy, the country has been increasingly counting on foreign workers amid labour shortages.

The number of foreign workers with Type I status in the food service industry reached roughly 46,000 by the end of February, according to preliminary data, on course to surpass the quota of 50,000 for the 2028 financial year.

As the Immigration Services Agency has suspended the issuance of certificates of eligibility for Type I Specified Skilled Worker visa applications since April 13, some operators have warned that foreign workers whom they had been helping to obtain such visas may return to their home countries and not come back to work in Japan.

Type I visa holders can work in Japan for up to five years, but they cannot bring their family members. There is no limit on the length of stay for those with Type II visas, accompanied by their family members.

Skylark Holdings is among those affected by the suspension. It employs 32 exchange students from countries such as Myanmar as part-time workers and has been helping them prepare for the Type I status examination scheduled for June.