Food & Beverage

　Japan’s food service industry is experiencing a growing labor shortage, leading many businesses—from large restaurant chains to small and medium-sized establishments—to actively recruit foreign personnel.

　Foreign personnel have become an essential part of the workforce, taking on a wide range of responsibilities such as cooking, customer service, and cleaning.

　Among foreign workers in the food service industry, the largest group are international students and dependents (on family stay visas) who work part-time with permission to engage in activities outside their visa status, accounting for about half of all foreign employees in the sector.

　In addition, the sector also employs foreign nationals on status-based visas such as Spouse of a Japanese National or Permanent Resident.

　Foreign nationals working under the “Skilled Worker” visa, such as chefs specializing in foreign cuisine, those working with a Specified Skilled Worker visa, and individuals employed under the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa also contribute their specialized knowledge and skills to support the food service industry.

⑴　Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

　The “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” residence status is intended for foreign nationals engaged in work that requires specialized knowledge and skills.

　Examples include developing marketing strategies in the management planning department of a restaurant chain or conducting negotiations with overseas branches in foreign languages.

　However, this status does not permit on-site work such as cooking or customer service, so employers must exercise caution when assigning duties.

⑵　Specified Skilled Worker

　The “Specified Skilled Worker” residence status was established to address labor shortages.

　It allows foreign nationals to perform a wide range of practical tasks related to store operations, including cooking, serving, and customer service.

　Employers as designated host organizations for Specified Skilled Workers must comply with a wide range of requirements and handle them appropriately.

⑶　Activity Outside the Scope of Visa

　Activity Outside the Scope of Visa refers to the permission granted to foreign nationals holding residence statuses such as “Student” or “Dependent” to engage in part-time work, provided it does not interfere with their main activities.

　Such work may include tasks like serving customers in restaurants or assisting in the kitchen.

　However, working hours are limited to a maximum of 28 hours per week.

　Proper residence status and adherence to legal procedures are essential when hiring foreign nationals.

　Any mistakes in these areas can lead to serious risks for the company.

　Our office provides support and guidance on all aspects of foreign employment in the food service industry.

　Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.