14th Expert Panel on SSW and Ikusei Shuro Held — Suspension of Certificate Issuance for Food Service SSW Confirmed Ongoing

Japan's Immigration Services Agency held the 14th meeting of the Expert Panel on Basic and Field-Specific Operational Policies for the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) and Ikusei Shuro Systems at the Ministry of Justice on September 9, 2026. The panel confirmed that the suspension of Certificate of Eligibility issuance for SSW "Food Service" remains ongoing.

Agenda of the 14th Meeting

Background of the Food Service Suspension

On April 13, 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency, at the request of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, invoked Article 7-2, Paragraph 4 of the Immigration Control Act to suspend issuance of Certificates of Eligibility for SSW "Food Service." The reason was that the number of SSW-1 residents in the food service sector was expected to exceed the sector's acceptance cap (500,000) around May 2026. Applications for Certificates of Eligibility in this sector received on or after that date have been denied.

Current Status

The Immigration Services Agency's website does not specify a lifting date, and at the 14th meeting on September 9 — nearly five months after the suspension took effect on April 13 — the measure was confirmed to remain in place. This continues to apply to new applications bringing workers from abroad into SSW "Food Service" as well as to applications changing status from another residence category into SSW "Food Service."

Implications for Host Employers and Registered Support Organizations

Companies considering new SSW hires in the food service sector should note that both Certificate of Eligibility applications and status-change applications will continue to be accepted but denied for the time being. Renewal of residence periods for SSW workers already in Japan is not affected by this measure.

Summary

• Japan's Immigration Services Agency held the 14th SSW/Ikusei Shuro expert panel meeting on September 9, 2026
• The suspension of Certificate of Eligibility issuance for SSW "Food Service" (in effect since April 13, 2026) was confirmed ongoing
• The suspension is based on the sector's acceptance cap (500,000) being expected to be exceeded, under Article 7-2, Paragraph 4 of the Immigration Control Act
• Revision work on the field-specific operational policies has also begun

Companies considering new SSW hires in the food service sector should monitor the Immigration Services Agency's announcements regarding when the suspension may be lifted. Consult Sakura Central Legal Office (MOJ-certified application agent).