月乃行政書士事務所
Some foreign workers in Japan may wish to take on part-time jobs in addition to their main employment. Likewise, employers may be interested in hiring foreign nationals for part-time positions.
There are various types of residence statuses in Japan, each with specific regulations regarding employment and permitted activities. This article focuses on whether individuals holding the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” work visa can engage in part-time work, as well as the conditions and requirements for doing so.
- Can You Work Part-Time with an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa?”
- Types of Part-Time Jobs Not Permitted Under Permission for Activities Outside Visa Scope
- Conditions for Taking Part-Time or Side Jobs with a GIJINKOKU Visa
- Points to Note When Working Part-Time with a GIJINKOKU Visa
- Summary
Can You Work Part-Time with an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa?”
Holders of the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” work visa are permitted to engage in part-time work.
However, there are restrictions on the types of jobs that can be taken as part-time work. If the part-time job falls within the same occupational category permitted under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, no additional permission is required.
On the other hand, if the part-time job or side work involves a different occupational category from what was approved under the visa, you must obtain permission for activities outside the scope of your visa.
Types of Part-Time or Side Jobs Allowed Under the “GIJINKOKU” Visa
Jobs permitted under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa are specialized, professional, and typically white-collar roles.
For science majors, system engineers, programmers, and mechanical engineering professionals are classified as “technical.” For humanities majors, sales, accounting, and marketing fall under “humanities knowledge.” “International work” includes roles such as interpreters, translators, and language school instructors.
If you engage in part-time work within the same occupational category as permitted under the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, you do not need to obtain additional permission for activities outside your visa’s scope.
For example:
- A programmer working in Japan under the “Engineer” category can take on a part-time programming job without needing separate permission, as it falls under the same occupational category.
- Similarly, someone holding a “Specialist in Humanities” visa for accounting work can take on a part-time accounting job without any issues.
In both cases, the work aligns with the visa’s approved activities, so no additional permissions are required.
Cases Where Part-Time Work Does Not Require Permission for Activities Outside the Visa Scope
As mentioned earlier, if the part-time job falls under the same occupational category permitted by the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, there is no need to obtain permission for activities outside the visa scope.
Additionally, if the activity is not considered work, no permission is required. For example, volunteer activities or other non-paid engagements do not necessitate permission.
Even if compensation is involved, activities that involve temporary or one-time rewards do not require additional permission. For instance, helping a friend move or assisting with yard work in exchange for a small, one-time payment falls into this category.
Cases Requiring Permission for Activities Outside the Visa Scope
If you wish to take on a part-time job that does not fall within the occupational category permitted under your current “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, you must obtain permission for activities outside the visa scope.
For example, a programmer holding the “Engineer” visa would need additional permission to work as a temporary university lecturer teaching programming, as this type of work is not covered under the “Engineer” visa. In such cases, obtaining permission for activities outside the visa scope is necessary.
Types of Part-Time Jobs Not Permitted Under Permission for Activities Outside Visa Scope
Even if you obtain permission for activities outside your visa scope, it does not mean you can take on any type of part-time job. Generally, simple labor tasks, jobs in the adult entertainment industry, or activities with legal concerns are not permitted.
The following are examples of jobs considered simple labor or part of the adult entertainment industry, and are therefore not allowed for holders of the “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visa, even with additional permission:
- Convenience store staff
- Restaurant staff
- Pachinko parlor staff
- Arcade staff
- Nightclubs such as cabarets
If you are unsure whether a specific job is permissible, it is highly recommended to consult the Immigration Services Agency without hesitation.
Conditions for Taking Part-Time or Side Jobs with a GIJINKOKU Visa
Even if you wish to take a part-time or side job, many companies in Japan do not permit their employees to engage in side work. If your company does not allow it, you cannot take on additional jobs. Furthermore, as a holder of a GIJINKOKU visa, you must ensure that your side work does not interfere with your primary job.
Additionally, if you wish to take on a job outside the occupational category permitted under your GIJINKOKU visa, you must obtain permission for activities outside the scope of your visa.
Conditions for Obtaining Permission for Activities Outside the Visa Scope
Here are the specific conditions required to obtain permission for activities outside the scope of your visa:
- Your primary employer allows you to engage in activities outside your main job.
- The additional activities do not interfere with your primary job under the GIJINKOKU visa.
- You are actively performing the work permitted under your GIJINKOKU visa.
- The job for which you seek permission is not categorized as simple labor.
- The activity does not violate any laws or regulations.
- The activity is not related to the adult entertainment industry or contrary to public order and morals.
- The applicant must have a good personal conduct record.
If you or your prospective part-time employer find it difficult to determine whether a specific activity meets these conditions, it is recommended to consult the Immigration Services Agency for clarification.
Points to Note When Working Part-Time with a GIJINKOKU Visa
As explained earlier, foreign nationals holding a GIJINKOKU visa must carefully consider whether the part-time job they wish to take falls within the occupational category permitted under the visa. Ensuring compliance with visa regulations is crucial before engaging in any additional work.
Points Workers Should Be Aware Of
If you engage in part-time work without obtaining the required permission for activities outside your visa scope, it may be considered illegal employment. This can lead to penalties such as deportation or other severe consequences.
Not only will you lose the right to work in your primary occupation, but you may also be required to leave Japan. Furthermore, you may be prohibited from re-entering Japan for a specified period.
To avoid such situations, it is strongly recommended that you consult the Immigration Services Agency to confirm whether the part-time job is permissible before starting any additional work.
Points Employers Should Be Aware of When Hiring Foreign Nationals
When hiring foreign nationals, it is essential to carefully check the details of their work visa to ensure they are authorized to perform the intended job. While work within the scope of their permitted activities is allowed, employing them in roles not covered by their visa is prohibited. Allowing foreign workers to engage in unauthorized activities constitutes illegal employment, and employers (business owners) who facilitate such employment may also face penalties.
If an employer knowingly employs a foreign worker illegally or facilitates illegal employment, they can be charged under the crime of promoting illegal employment. Penalties include up to three years of imprisonment or fines of up to 3 million yen.
Even if the employer was unaware of the illegal employment status, they may still be held responsible for negligence if they fail to adequately confirm the worker’s visa status.
When hiring foreign workers for part-time or short-term jobs, always verify their residence card and ensure compliance with visa regulations. If there are any doubts or uncertainties, it is strongly recommended to consult the Immigration Services Agency for clarification.
Summary
Foreign nationals holding an “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” work visa can take on part-time jobs, provided they obtain permission from their primary employer and ensure the job aligns with their visa’s permitted occupational categories.
However, engaging in unauthorized work can result in severe penalties, including deportation and a ban on re-entry into Japan. Therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid taking on part-time jobs without first consulting the Immigration Services Agency and obtaining the necessary permissions.
Employers also bear responsibility when hiring foreign workers. It is essential to verify residence cards and ensure compliance with visa regulations. If there are any uncertainties, employers should promptly consult the Immigration Services Agency to avoid potential legal consequences.