Kakehashi Myanmar Overseas Employment Agency ESDP
The Employment for Skill Development Program
On April 1, 2027, Japan will introduce a new system for accepting foreign workers known as the Employment for Skill Development Program (Ikusei Shūrō System).
The new system will replace and develop the existing Technical Intern Training Program, with the two key objectives of "human resource development" and "securing human resources."
In principle, participants will work at Japanese companies for three years while acquiring practical skills, knowledge, and Japanese language proficiency, with the goal of developing into workers who meet the required level for Specified Skilled Worker No. 1.
From Myanmar to the Program
At Kakehashi Myanmar, we recruit and select young people in Myanmar who aspire to work in Japan.
Before departure, we provide education in the Japanese language, Japanese culture and daily life, and fundamental attitudes toward work and professional life.
From matching candidates with Japanese companies through to their departure for Japan, we provide comprehensive support throughout the process.
Basic Process
Japanese Language Requirements
Under the Skill Development Employment System, participants are not necessarily required to have passed a Japanese language test equivalent to A1 at the time of entry into Japan.
However, in principle, participants are required to acquire Japanese language proficiency equivalent to A1 or higher under the JF Japanese-Language Education Standard / Japanese Language Education Reference Framework before beginning employment.
As a general benchmark for A1-level proficiency, the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 or an equivalent level is recognized as an example.
Even if a participant has not passed an A1-equivalent examination, the requirement can be met by completing an A1-equivalent Japanese language course provided by a recognized Japanese language education institution or other qualified organization.
Depending on the field of employment, a higher level of Japanese language proficiency than A1 or A2 may be required. In particular, additional requirements apply to the nursing care (caregiving) field, so the specific requirements should be confirmed separately.
Progressive Development of Skills
Under the Skill Development Employment System, participants are expected to develop not only their Japanese language skills but also the practical skills required for their occupation through clearly defined stages.
In this way, the Skill Development Employment System is not simply a system for working in Japan. It is a human resource development system designed to help individuals improve their skills and Japanese language proficiency over three years and build a foundation for their future careers.
Sending Organization Fees
Under the Employment for Skill Development Program, there is a regulatory limit on the amount that a foreign worker may be required to pay to a sending organization.
In principle, the fees paid by the worker to the sending organization must not exceed the equivalent of two months' wages at the time the worker begins employment in Japan.
The specific fees and applicable items will be officially explained in accordance with the Japan–Myanmar Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC), as well as the relevant regulations and operational requirements on the Myanmar side.