Possibilities and prospects for employment of foreigners in the field of specific skills “Logistics/Warehouse”

With the explosive expansion of Internet shopping (EC), the on-site workload at distribution centers and delivery warehouses is increasing year by year. In addition to this, the “2024 problem (lack of logistics capacity due to the introduction of overtime regulations for drivers)” is compounding, and the shortage of workers in charge of picking, packing, shipping sorting, etc. in warehouses has reached an extreme. In order to overcome this crisis, the government has newly established fields related to “logistics and warehousing” (along with automobile transportation, railways, aviation, and forestry) to be eligible for specific skills. We will explain the possibilities and prospects offered by this new field.

1. Detailed background and latest trends in Japan

The work content that foreigners with specific skills can engage in at logistics and warehouse sites is extremely wide-ranging and practical. Specifically, we cover all tasks that are central to day-to-day operations, such as receiving and inspecting products in the warehouse, picking (collecting products from shelves according to instructions), packing/packing (stuffing cardboard with cushioning material for shipping), and sorting by destination. Furthermore, by taking a forklift driving skills course in Japan and obtaining qualifications, you can be fully engaged in more specialized duties such as receiving cargo with a forklift or moving large pallets.

Important data and problem analysis that tell the truth

• First characteristic (rapid expansion of market needs and background): The labor shortage in Japan is a structural problem, and the demand for ready-to-work human resources is rapidly increasing, especially in the manufacturing and service industries. Data has proven that the specific skills system guarantees a certain level of work experience and Japanese language proficiency, so there are very few mismatches in the initial stages of introduction.
• Second feature (required language skills and educational system): In order to obtain a Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 visa, it is mandatory to pass a Japanese language proficiency test (N4 or JFT-Basic) at a daily conversation level or above, but additional Japanese language education on industry terminology and work safety is effective for smoothly communicating instructions on site.
• Third feature (same or higher salary treatment and motivation): Japanese laws and regulations strictly prohibit creating discriminatory disparities in working conditions such as basic pay and bonuses compared to Japanese employees working in the same business within the same company. Having a fair evaluation system in place is the key to preventing employee turnover and boosting morale across the team.

2. Important institutional rules and legal compliance

The benefits of hiring foreigners at logistics sites go beyond simply securing the number of people. Young job seekers in Asia (Nepal, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, etc.) are young, fit, and very willing to accept physically active jobs. In addition, many warehouses already have multinational staff working there, so the environment is often already set up to accept foreigners, making it easy for them to settle into the workplace smoothly. There are a number of cases in which the average age of employees decreases and the overall work speed and productivity of warehouses greatly improves due to the entry of young foreigners into the workplace.

Important check sheet to prevent problems from occurring

1. [Check 1] Multilingualization of employment contract documents: When hiring, it is necessary to obtain the foreigner’s agreement by providing and explaining in advance a “terms of employment” that specifies the wage breakdown, holidays, overtime work rules, etc. in his or her native language, which the foreigner can fully understand.
2. [Check 2] Ensure payment of social insurance and taxes: It is mandatory to enroll in social insurance and to deduct and pay resident tax and pension from your salary. If you are in arrears, your visa renewal application (usually every 1 or 3 years) will be rejected and you will not be able to continue working in Japan.
3. [Check 3] Ensuring appropriate space in the living environment: The legal minimum area for the room in which a foreigner resides is 7.5 square meters or more (bedroom area) per person, and is subject to strict immigration screening.

3. Specific practical points and solutions

Things to keep in mind when introducing this system are “safety management” in the warehouse and “prevention of incorrect deliveries and incorrect picking.” A Japanese level (N4 or higher or JFT-Basic) is required to be able to communicate correctly in Japanese regarding work instruction system screens, the language of product labels, how to operate handheld terminals, etc. Additionally, when entrusting workers with the task of operating forklifts, where safety is paramount, they must receive sufficient practical training and take more rigorous measures to prevent accidents on site than Japanese workers. It is wise to carry out these activities under the guidance of a reliable registration support organization.

For detailed information and support plans for safely and effectively utilizing the Specified Skills System, please visit this page on our website.“About recruitment costs”Please take a look at it and use it to create an appropriate plan.

4. Summary and future prospects

For the logistics and warehousing industry, the use of specific skills is not just a temporary fix for labor shortages, but a “strategic transformation” that will determine business continuity and growth speed over the next 10 years. Let’s hire talented foreigners as full-time employees as soon as possible, develop them as core operators on-site, and build a stable and strong shipping line.