Japan plans to add aviation sector to new foreign worker program

TOKYO - The Japanese government on Wednesday proposed adding the aviation sector to its new foreign-worker training and employment program set to start in April 2027, as the country seeks to secure labor in industries facing severe worker shortages.

The planned expansion, presented to a panel of experts, would bring the number of industries covered by the program to 18, already including nursing care, agriculture and accommodation. The government hopes to approve the framework at a Cabinet meeting in December.