New visa category for Olympics workers to be introduced

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Japan will soon create a new visa category for foreign workers coming to the country to work on projects related to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

What does the change mean? The new “Designated Activities” visa will be available in limited circumstances to foreign nationals working on Olympics-related projects for more than 90 days. Specific eligibility requirements have not yet been announced.

• Implementation time frame: The visas are expected to become available in late June.
• Visas/permits affected: “Designated Activities” visas for foreign nationals working on projects related to the 2020 Olympics.
• Business impact: The new visas will help streamline processes for companies bringing workers to Japan to work on Olympics-related projects.

Background: Demand for foreign workers in Japan has increased as the country prepares to host the Olympics next year. The new visas will be available to foreign workers who will be engaged in activities related to the Olympics and have been approved by Tokyo 2020. Workers will be permitted to sponsor dependent family members and will be eligible for the visas regardless of educational level or professional background.

Analysis & Comments: The new visas are expected to streamline immigration processes for employers in need of workers to help prepare for the 2020 Summer Olympics. More details about the application process are expected to become available in the coming weeks.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.