The Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Sector): Indonesians Lead with 9,760 Workers
- Publish
- 2025/02/20
- Update
- 2025/08/16
- You can read this article in 4minutes
As the number of foreign caregivers in Japan continues to increase, Indonesians stand out in particular. For example, under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa category for the caregiving sector—where employment in home-visit care will also be permitted starting in 2025—nearly 10,000 Indonesians are already employed.
Feedback from workplaces shows high praise for Indonesian caregivers, who are known for their family-oriented values, deep respect for the elderly, and cheerful, sociable nature.
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Introduction
This article introduces Indonesians working under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa in the caregiving sector through data and video content. It also explains the unique recruitment routes and institutional characteristics found only in the caregiving sector among the Specified Skilled Worker industries.
Precautions when conducting an on-site inspection in Indonesia
Some visitors consider, "My primary purpose is to conduct maintenance work at the factory, but the visa application process appears cumbersome. I will simply enter on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and carry out the work discreetly."
However, there have been numerous cases where entering without the appropriate visa for the intended activities has resulted in significant legal and operational issues. It is therefore strongly advised to obtain the correct visa prior to travel.
Here are the types of visas and their purposes.
Indonesian Caregivers under the Specified Skilled Worker Program: A Data Overview
9,760 Indonesians Working in the Specified Skilled Worker (Caregiving Sector)
As of June 2024, there were 44,298 Indonesians residing in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker program. Among them, 9,760 are working in the caregiving sector, accounting for 26.6% of all foreign workers in this field—the highest proportion by nationality.
By recruitment route, 8,457 were hired through the examination route, and 1,202 were former technical intern trainees. One notable characteristic of the caregiving sector under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa is the high percentage of hires through examinations rather than from former technical interns, indicating rapidly growing demand.
Unique Recruitment Routes in the Caregiving Sector
Unlike other industries, the caregiving sector under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa includes two unique recruitment pathways: graduates of care worker training institutions and former EPA care worker candidates. As of June 2024, among the 9,760 Indonesian workers in this sector, 2 came through the former route and 99 through the latter.
Graduates of Care Worker Training Institutions
These are foreign nationals who have undergone more than two years of practical training at care worker training institutions in Japan to qualify for the national certification exam.
If they pass the national exam, they obtain the residence status of “Care Worker.” However, if they fail, they may instead work under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) caregiving status while continuing to prepare for the exam. Those who graduate from a training institution are exempt from all SSW-related exams.
Former EPA Care Worker Candidates
EPA care worker candidates are foreign nationals who come to Japan under Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) to work and train as care worker candidates.
They are required to take the national certification exam at designated times. If they pass, they obtain the “EPA Certified Care Worker” residence status. If they fail, they are generally required to return home, but some continue to study and work under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) caregiving visa, similar to training institution graduates.
Those who have completed the four-year stay as an EPA candidate are also exempt from all SSW exams.
No Specified Skilled Worker (ii) for the Caregiving Sector
Most industries under the Specified Skilled Worker program allow visa holders to upgrade from Type (i) to Type (ii), which permits family accompaniment and unlimited renewals of the period of stay.
However, the caregiving sector does not offer the Type (ii) visa. This is because those working in this sector are already eligible to upgrade to the “Care Worker” residence status, which provides the same benefits: unlimited renewals and the ability to bring family members.
To obtain the “Care Worker” visa, however, individuals must pass the national certification exam. If caregiving facilities wish to retain these foreign workers beyond five years, it is advisable to support them in preparing for the exam.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan
“Publication of the Number of Foreign Nationals with Specified Skilled Worker Status｜As of June 2024: Tables 1, 2, 3, and 7”
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Indonesian Caregivers under the Specified Skilled Worker Program: A Visual Perspective
One Year at a Caregiving Vocational Training Institution
Watch the Video
This video summarizes one year at a vocational training institution (LPK) that trains and introduces prospective caregivers to work in Japan.
It showcases how trainees share both challenges and joys through events such as sports festivals, cultural festivals, Japanese language exams, physical fitness tests, job interviews, and more. Many LPKs are equipped with dormitories where students live together, sharing meals and daily life. Some LPKs actively organize cultural activities in addition to preparing students for the SSW exams.
Studying for the National Care Worker Certification
Watch the Video
This video features a preparatory lesson for Indonesian caregivers working in Japan who aim to obtain the national certification for care workers. While the program is primarily delivered online, the footage shows students living in the Kanto region gathering in Tokyo for an in-person study session.
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Domestic corporation
Recruitment Agency
We set up a domestic capital company in Indonesia using the name of a former employee from Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker program. At first, communication was smooth, but once the business became profitable, they claimed ownership, seized bank accounts and contracts, and disrupted client relations. A contract was in place but ineffective, leaving us to regret relying solely on trust.
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Foreign-owned corporation
Machinery Manufacturer
We hired a local consulting firm to set up our foreign-owned company in Indonesia, but responses were slow and explanations kept changing. Repeated requests for extra documents and shifting requirements disrupted our schedule, and the process took nearly a year, delaying our business launch. We learned the importance of clearly defining project management and responsibilities in the contract.
Understand the Unique Systems of the Caregiving Sector When Hiring
The Specified Skilled Worker program offers significant opportunities for many Indonesians who face challenges securing employment or sufficient income in their home country. At the same time, it has become indispensable to Japanese caregiving facilities suffering from chronic labor shortages.
As introduced, the caregiving sector under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa has several unique characteristics not found in other industries. When hiring foreign caregivers, it is essential to understand their recruitment pathways and post-visa options.
If your company is considering recruiting or accepting personnel from Indonesia, please feel free to contact PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA.
