Japan's New "Employment for Skill Development" System Starts April 2027 — Sri Lanka Has Already Signed

Japan will replace the long-criticised Technical Intern Training Program (技能実習) with a new residency system called Employment for Skill Development (育成就労 / ESD) on 1 April 2027. Sri Lanka is one of the first countries to sign the bilateral agreement required to send workers under it.

What changes

The old programme was officially framed as "international contribution through skills transfer." The new one openly states its purpose: developing and securing human resources in industries facing labour shortages. Workers are employed for a maximum of three years, with the goal of reaching Specified Skilled Worker (i) level.

Key points for applicants

• Japanese required before you start work: pass JLPT N5 / JFT-Basic (A1) — or complete an equivalent Japanese language course.
• Changing employers is now allowed. After 1 to 2 years (depending on the field), you may move to another company in the same field if you pass a skill test and reach A2.1 Japanese.
• A real career path: finish ESD with a skill test + A2.2 (JLPT N4) → SSW(i) for 5 years → SSW(ii) with N3-level (B1) Japanese, which allows unlimited renewals and bringing family.
• 17 industrial fields are covered as of July 2026, including care work, food manufacturing, construction, agriculture, accommodation and food service.

What the Sri Lanka agreement means

The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in Tokyo on 20 May 2026 and in Colombo on 23 July 2026, taking effect from the later date. Under it:

• Japan will only accept workers sent by sending organisations approved by the SLBFE. Unapproved agents cannot send you.
• Agency fees are capped at two months of your Japanese salary as stated in your ESD plan.
• A police clearance certificate from the Criminal Records Division is required.
• You are guaranteed the same wages as a Japanese worker doing equivalent work, and full protection under Japanese labour law.

What to do now

Japanese language ability is the gate at every single stage — entry, job change, and moving to SSW. Starting from N5 now puts you in position well before April 2027. And always verify that any agent you speak to holds a valid SLBFE licence.