The Japanese government has made it easier for foreign nationals to become drivers in the country by allowing them to take the exam to obtain a license in 20 different languages. This move comes as transportation services are facing a serious shortage of drivers, and the government plans to accept up to 24,500 foreign nationals as drivers over the next five years.
In March, the Cabinet approved a policy that allows foreign workers to receive “specified skilled worker” resident status, which grants them medium- and long-term visas. This includes vehicle transportation services, such as taxis and buses. Previously, people needed to obtain a Class 2 driver’s license in order to drive vehicles for the transportation industry in Japan.
To address calls from companies in the industry for multiple language options for the paper exam, the National Police Agency decided to allow applicants to take exams in foreign languages. As of September 6th, all prefectural police authorities have made it possible for applicants to take exams in 20 different languages.
The number of taxi drivers in Japan has significantly decreased over recent years due to various factors including an aging workforce and changing demographics. In response, there is a need for more drivers not only for local people but also tourists visiting Japan. The NPA recognized this need and selected 20 foreign languages mainly from Asian countries.
As of July this year, nearly 1,000 people had taken foreign-language exams across Japan with about half passing. However, it is important not only for these new drivers but also existing ones that they receive proper training on service manners and driving skills as well as how to handle mechanical trouble or emergencies.
The taxi industry consists mostly of small and midsize companies that own fewer than 30 vehicles each. These companies may struggle with developing their own training systems due to limited resources. Experts suggest that administrative authorities should assist these companies while emphasizing education within the entire industry.
One example of a company employing foreign nationals is Matsushima Mobility Service based in Kyoto which operates taxis and hired cars. They employ Belkouchia Youssef from Morocco who passed his Class 2 driver’s license exam conducted in Arabic at Osaka prefectural police offices.
With an increasing number of inbound tourists after COVID-19 restrictions eased up recently, Matsushima Mobility enthusiastically hires foreigners as drivers since about 80% of their clients are foreigners including tourists visiting Japan.
Accordingly Guidable Inc., a Tokyo-based staffing services company has seen an increase in demand from taxi companies wanting to hire foreigners since around last year introducing about forty foreigners including Belkouchia Youssef into twenty different companies so far according its president Masaki Tanabe.