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With a decline in the population size, numbers are expected to shrink from the current 127 million to approximately 107 million in 2040 (source) and a rising interest in migration with around 3 million migrants live in the country, it comes as no surprise that Japan is expanding opportunities for international students (source). 

Japan is implementing measures to create more opportunities for international students to find work in the country, according to The Pie News.  This includes revising the 2018 “inclusive society” strategy.

According to the Jiji Press, as part of its strategy to increase support for the international student cohort, the government will inform companies of a system which allows foreign students to stay in the country even if there is a gap between graduation and employment. The government will urge such students to apply for an internship as well.

At present, the Ministry of Justice is considering relaxingcertain strict requirements for graduates. These measures will be welcome considering that, currently, international graduates can work only in roles where they earn over 3 million yen (around US$28,700) annually. This is a tough ask considering that the average salary for graduates is only 2.3 million yen. (The Pie News)

Such a policy ensures that graduates in fields such as arts, humanities, and other non-professional courses rarely make the cut.

Now, according to reports, the Immigration Services agency is preparing to introduce a start-up visa. This will allow new graduates to stay in Japan for two years to set up a business. The government also allows students to work up to 28 hours a week while studying. But for this, they require an additional permit.

Even with the strict policies for post-work opportunities, the number of international students applying for work visas in Japan reached a record high in 2018. With these relaxations, the country can look forward to offsetting the crunch caused by its declining human resources.