An Analysis of the Labor Force Impact of Japan's Highly Skilled Foreign Professional Visa System

This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of Japan’s Highly Skilled Foreign Professional (HSFP) visa, introduced in 2012 as a points-based policy instrument to attract global talent. Rather than broadly addressing Japan’s immigration policy, the study focuses on the HSFP visa itself to assess how well it functions as a recruitment mechanism for highly skilled professionals. Using data analysis, international comparisons with Australia and the United Kingdom, and interviews with eligible foreign professionals currently working in Japan, the research identifies critical shortcomings in the system’s design and implementation. Key findings include a misalignment between the visa’s structure and the actual needs and motivations of its target users, limited international diversity among recipients, and comparatively low long-term appeal. Based on these insights, the thesis proposes four targeted policy recommendations related to accessibility, benefit structure, application procedures, and integration support. By focusing on this specific visa framework, the study contributes to a clearer understanding of Japan’s skilled migration strategies and highlights areas for policy refinement.