Introduction

The number of foreign nationals with the “Specified Skilled Worker” residence status has been increasing in Japan, which also raises the number of cases requiring renewal. There is concern among applicants about how engaging in side jobs or part-time work may affect renewal. This article provides a detailed explanation of government policy and legal grounds to clarify the impact of side jobs on the renewal process.

Work Scope Permitted under the “Specified Skilled Worker” Status

“Specified Skilled Worker” (i) and (ii) are residence statuses created by the Japanese government to resolve severe labor shortages in specific industry sectors. Work is strictly limited to the permitted industry and employer described on the residence status, and other jobs—including side jobs or part-time work—are in principle not permitted.

What Happens if Side Jobs Are Discovered?

Engaging in employment outside the permitted scope is a violation (“unauthorized activity”). When this is discovered by authorities, several negative consequences may follow:

• Likelihood of disapproval for period of stay renewal increases considerably
• In serious cases, the permit may be revoked and deportation procedures can commence
• Accepting work outside the permitted field undermines trust

The “Specified Skilled Worker” status is strictly for employment at the designated job and company only, and side jobs or dual employment are subject to strict limits.

Practical Points in Renewal and Common Issues

During the renewal process, submission of documents such as tax certificates, employment certificates, and withholding tax slips may reveal income from unauthorized part-time work. In some cases, the main employer, or even anonymous reports, may trigger an investigation. Discovery of such side jobs significantly increases the risk of disapproval at renewal.

Views Based on Official Guidelines

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, work outside the permitted field is, as a rule, “unauthorized activity” and prohibited. The exceptional system of “Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence” mostly applies to students or dependents, not to Specified Skilled Workers.

Example Case

Example: Mr. A, employed in the food service industry under the Specified Skilled Worker (i) status, had worked late-night shifts in the cleaning industry for six months via an acquaintance. At the time of renewal, his tax documents showed income from two companies, triggering questions from immigration officials. This was ruled as “engaging in an unauthorized activity,” and renewal was denied. (This is a hypothetical case based on procedures, not a guarantee that all such cases will be handled identically.)

Summary

Foreign nationals with the “Specified Skilled Worker” status are, in principle, not allowed to engage in side jobs or part-time work outside their designated field or employer. Discovery of unauthorized employment may lead to a denial of renewal or, in more serious cases, deportation. It is important to strictly observe the permitted rules and consult qualified experts or the Immigration Services Agency when in doubt.