For companies considering hiring foreign workers in the waste management and resource circulation industries, we outline whether the Specified Skilled Worker “Resource Circulation” category applies and what preparations are required. We accept recruitment and hiring consultations from companies nationwide. We also accept residence status consultations nationwide from foreign nationals. After confirming whether the system has commenced and the individual requirements, consider employment contracts, support plans, and application documents separately.
Check approval, enforcement, and acceptance start dates separately
The official specified industrial field name under the Specified Skilled Worker system is “Resource Circulation,” and the work category is waste disposal (intermediate treatment). The basic policy was approved by the Cabinet on March 11, 2025, and the field-specific operational policy, including Resource Circulation, was approved by the Cabinet on January 23, 2026. However, the Immigration Services Agency says acceptance will be possible once preparations for ministerial ordinances and other requirements are complete. As of October 23, 2026, check the latest materials for the promulgation and enforcement dates, the Agency’s announcement that acceptance has begun, skills test schedule and council certification procedures before proceeding with hiring plans.
Check that the duties match intermediate treatment before posting the job
Intermediate treatment of both general and industrial waste is stated to be covered. However, not every facility or job involving waste is eligible. Do not treat collection and transport, final disposal, or office-only work as equivalent to intermediate treatment. Compare the actual processes assigned, the main duties, and required permits, facilities and safety-management arrangements against both the job posting and on-site operations. If the planned role mainly involves ineligible duties, consider the matter individually, including other statuses of residence.
Clarify test information and job-posting details to assess candidates
Candidates must meet the Resource Circulation field’s Specified Skilled Worker skills test and Japanese-language requirements, which will be announced after the system starts. The Ministry of the Environment’s website states that details of these examinations will be provided “once finalized.” Specify in the job posting which intermediate-treatment processes the worker will handle, the workplace, shift system and overtime, safety training, required qualifications and experience, and wages, allowances and social insurance. Make sure the details allow candidates’ experience and employment conditions to be assessed realistically.
Plan separately for receiving-company requirements and outsourced support
Before and after acceptance, the council is expected to conduct document and on-site checks (certification as a high-quality organization); the Ministry of the Environment states that acceptance requirements will not be met without certification. For Specified Skilled Worker (i), the receiving organization prepares and implements a support plan. If all or part of this work is entrusted to a Registered Support Organization, check the register, valid registration, scope of services, and arrangements for communications and interviews. Support with status-of-residence applications by an administrative scrivener and job-seeker placement through paid employment-placement services are separate services. If using a placement service, separately verify that the provider holds the relevant authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Specified Skilled Worker (Resource Circulation), are collection and transport or final disposal also eligible for recruitment?
The stated work category is “waste disposal (intermediate treatment).” Do not determine eligibility solely because a job is related to waste; check whether the main process in the job is intermediate treatment. Collection and transport, final disposal and ancillary duties require checking against the latest materials and actual job duties.
When can workers be accepted under Specified Skilled Worker in the Resource Circulation field?
The field-specific operational policy was approved by the Cabinet on January 23, 2026, but the Immigration Services Agency says acceptance will be possible once preparations for ministerial ordinances and other requirements are complete. Do not treat the Cabinet approval date alone as meaning acceptance has begun. Check promulgation and enforcement, the Agency’s announcement that acceptance has begun, and the latest information on examinations and the council.
If we entrust support to an outside organization, does the receiving company no longer need to make its own checks?
For Specified Skilled Worker (i), a support plan must be prepared and implemented. Even if support is entrusted to an outside organization, check its registration status, validity period and scope of services. It is important not to skip the receiving company’s own checks of requirements such as employment conditions, eligible duties and council certification.
Official Resources and Related Consultation Services
Systems and public consultation services may change. Please check the latest official information when proceeding with an application. Public consultation services are separate from our office.
- Basic Policy and Field-Specific Operational Policies for the Specified Skilled Worker System and the Employment for Skill Development System
- Specified Skilled Worker System and Employment for Skill Development System in the Resource Circulation Field
- Support for Specified Skilled Worker (i) and Registered Support Organizations
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We accept inquiries from companies nationwide about hiring foreign workers, job openings, and checking statuses of residence. We do not guarantee successful recruitment or approval of a status of residence.
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