Japan Stops Some Work Visas for Restaurants

May 16, 2026, 04:22
JapanInternational

Introduction

The Japanese government stopped giving some work visas for food service. There are too many workers now.

Main Body

Japan has a limit of 50,000 workers for this visa. In February, there were 46,000 workers. The government stopped new visas on April 13 because the number is too high. Japan needs workers because the population is old. This visa lets people stay for five years. Workers cannot bring their families with them. Big food companies are worried. They need more staff to grow. Some students from Myanmar cannot get their visas now. They wanted to work in June.

Conclusion

Restaurants in Japan have a problem with staff. The government will not give more Type I visas for now.

Learning

⏱️ Time & Dates

In this text, we see how to talk about when things happen. For A2, remember these patterns:

  • Months → In February (Use In for months)
  • Specific Dates → on April 13 (Use on for dates)
  • Future/General Time → in June (Use in for months)

🛠️ Word Power: 'Staff' vs 'Workers'

Both words describe people who do a job, but they are used slightly differently here:

  1. Workers (Countable) → 50,000 workers. You can count them: 1 worker, 2 workers.
  2. Staff (Group) → Need more staff. We usually treat 'staff' as one big group of people.

💡 Simple Logic: 'Too many' vs 'Too high'

We use too when something is a problem.

  • Too many + People/Things →\rightarrow Too many workers
  • Too high + Numbers/Prices →\rightarrow The number is too high

Vocabulary Learning

government
The group of people who run a country or state.
Example:The government made a new rule about work visas.
stopped
To end or finish doing something.
Example:The government stopped giving new work visas.
work
An activity that people do to earn money.
Example:Many people need work to support their families.
visas
Official documents that allow someone to stay in a country.
Example:The visas let foreigners work in Japan.
food
Things that people eat.
Example:The restaurants serve a variety of food.
service
The act of helping or doing work for others.
Example:The food service at the hotel is very friendly.
workers
People who do paid jobs.
Example:There are many workers in the restaurant industry.
limit
A maximum amount or number that is allowed.
Example:The visa limit is set at 50,000 workers.
population
All the people living in a place.
Example:Japan's population is growing older.
old
Having lived for a long time; not young.
Example:The old people need more healthcare services.
stay
To remain in a place for a period of time.
Example:The visa allows them to stay for five years.
families
Groups of related people living together.
Example:Workers cannot bring their families with them.
companies
Business organizations that make or sell products or services.
Example:Big food companies are concerned about staff shortages.
staff
Employees or workers in a business.
Example:The restaurant needs more staff for the busy season.
problem
A difficult or unsolved situation.
Example:The lack of staff is a big problem for restaurants.