When we speak of brain drain, we often associate it with Pakistanis migrating to the West, whether it be to the Middle East or countries further west such as Great Britain, the US, and Canada. However, there has been a recent shift in this trend, with many Pakistanis now turning their attention towards eastern countries like Korea and Japan. In fact, Japanese authorities have confirmed that over 5,000 Pakistanis have entered the country in the past 10 months alone. These individuals are primarily interested in pursuing educational, work, and business opportunities in Japan.
This blog will focus specifically on the work-related opportunities available in Japan for Pakistanis. It will explore the various avenues through which Pakistanis can establish their careers in Japan, highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and more.
Anyone interested in moving to Japan must know that Japan is looking for high-quality human resources, and not just in the traditional sectors. Now, even Pakistani farmers can migrate to Japan. However, IT specialists remain the most sought-after professionals, not just in Japan.
Most In-Demand Jobs in Japan for Pakistanis
Here is a brief list of professionals Japan is looking for:
- IT Professionals – Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. It is currently going through a digital transformation, and therefore, IT professionals are in high demand.
- Engineers – Always striving for improvement, Japan continues to heavily invest in infrastructure projects and therefore requires engineers.
- Teachers – Learning the English language is a skill which many Japanese strive for. If you are an English teacher in Pakistan, you should explore relevant opportunities in Japan.
- Nurses – It is no secret that Japan has an aging population, which requires nurses to take care of them. If you are a nurse and would like to move to Japan, you have a good chance of finding employment there.
How to Get to Japan: Visa Types
Generally, there are three types of visas Pakistanis may apply for to emigrate to Japan:
- Skilled Worker Visa – This is the type of visa IT professionals, engineers, teachers, and nurses would apply for. To apply for this visa, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, along with at least two years of work experience in your field.
- Technical Intern Training Visa – If you want to come to Japan to train in a specific field, you should apply for this visa. For this, you must be under the age of 30 and have finished high school or equivalent. METI Japan Internship Program is one such program run by the Japanese government.
- Working Holiday Visa – If you get this visa, you can enter Japan, work, and travel within the country for up to 1 year. This visa is for those who are between the ages of 18 and 30 with a valid passport and return ticket.
If a Japanese company expresses interest in hiring you, they will typically sponsor your work visa application. The company will guide you through the necessary steps and documentation required for the visa application process.
Once you have a job offer, the employer will apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf from the Japanese immigration authorities. The COE confirms that you meet the requirements for a work visa. Upon receiving the COE, you can proceed with your work visa application at the Japanese embassy in Islamabad.
Once you’ve obtained a visa, you would then need to apply for a residence permit at the Japanese embassy. You will typically be required to have a valid passport, visa, and other documents.
After obtaining your work visa, make travel arrangements to Japan. Upon arrival, you will need to complete the necessary residency procedures, such as registering your address and applying for a
residence card within a specified timeframe.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Moving to Japan
While it is good to have the required skills, you can always do more to maximize your chances of migrating to Japan. Here is how:
- Learn Japanese – In order to fully integrate into Japanese society, appreciate and enjoy all that it has to offer, you would need to learn Japanese. While limited, there are institutions and individuals offering courses in Pakistan on the language. Being fluent in Japanese before leaving for Japan can also heighten your chances of securing a good job.
- Networking – Communicating with people in Japan can help you better understand the society and job market. If you know someone in Japan, contact them and ask questions. Inquire about how they moved to Japan, the pros and cons of moving to Japan, etc.
- Researching – You can learn more about Japanese culture, society, and your chances of migration by acquiring more knowledge about Japan from websites like the Japanese embassy in Pakistan, various websites of the Japanese government, and other organizations. Also, researching the job market in Japan and identifying industries or companies that align with your skills and qualifications would be highly beneficial. Websites, job portals, and recruitment agencies can be valuable resources for finding job openings in Japan.
- Acquire necessary qualifications – In addition to learning Japanese, depending on your profession, you may need to meet specific educational or professional qualifications. Enhancing your skills and qualifications can improve your chances of finding suitable employment. Consider acquiring relevant certifications or completing specialized training programs.
- Seek job offers – Apply for jobs directly through company websites, job portals, or recruitment agencies that specialize in international placements. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills, experiences, and how they align with the specific job requirements.
It’s important to note that the job search and visa application processes can vary depending on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies. Consulting official sources such as the Japanese embassy in Pakistan, as well as recruitment agencies, can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information for your specific situation.
We hope you found this guide helpful. If you are a Pakistani living in Japan, do share your journey with us so others can benefit from your experiences.
Suggested blogs for you:
Leave a Reply