THE JAPAN NEWS



 

The government is launching a new initiative aimed at growing the number of foreigners who want to use their experience studying in Japan to start businesses here.

The program would grant budding entrepreneurs “designated activities” (see below) visas that would allow them to extend their stay for up to one year. The first such approvals are expected to be granted shortly.
In line with policies starting in April that will increase the number of foreign workers, it is hoped this program will give opportunities to ambitious entrepreneurs.

The government hopes that skilled foreigners will use the knowledge and experiences gained while studying in Japan to start businesses here that can thrive internationally and to build bridges with their home countries.
Under the previous system, foreign students lost their residence status once they graduated from or finished studying at universities or graduate schools, forcing them, in principle, to return home.

If they started businesses while studying, they could stay and work under a “business manager” visa. However, this status had stringent conditions — in addition to securing an office, they had to either have at least ¥5 million in capital or employ at least two full-time employees, besides managers and supervisors.

In September 2015, the government created national strategy special zones in Tokyo, Aichi and two other prefectures, as well as Fukuoka and four other cities. Foreigners starting businesses there have been able to obtain six-month “business manager” visas under relaxed conditions. As of April 2018, these visas had been issued to 54 people.

However, many have complained that six months is not long enough and called for the system to be improved. The new system would expand the program nationwide and double the duration of the visa.

Under the new system, local governments could provide generous support to foreign entrepreneurs.

First, local governments interested in accepting prospective entrepreneurs under the “designated activities” visa would draw up an assistance plan to be approved by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry. Assistance could be in the form of business costs, helping to find housing or providing access to consultants on starting a business.

Prospective entrepreneurs would submit their business plans to local governments for approval to obtain a “designated activities” visa.

If ventures are successful, they could obtain a “business manager” visa, which would allow them to stay for up to five years, and can be renewed.
The revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law that was enacted on Dec. 8 will allow more foreign workers, including unskilled laborers, into the country starting from April 1. Over the next five years, 345,150 people are expected to be admitted under this program.

The new system for entrepreneurial foreign students is one of 126 comprehensive policies intended to help foreigners integrate into Japanese society. The application of the “designated activities” visa status was changed on Dec. 28.

A survey by the Japan Student Services Organization found that of the 46,559 foreign students who graduated from or finished programs at universities, graduate schools or other institutions in Japan in fiscal 2016, 14,493 students — or about 31 percent — found jobs in Japan.

■ Designated activities

One of 36 types of visa status. Recipients can stay in Japan as long as they are engaged in certain activities designated by the justice minister. Household workers employed by diplomats and consular officials, as well as amateur athletes, are among those eligible for this visa status.