Japan Anticipates Rising Demand for Skilled Pakistani Workers in Coming Years

Islamabad/Tokyo:Japanese authorities have indicated that demand for skilled professionals from Pakistan is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This development comes amid a renewed collaboration between Japan’s leading workforce facilitator, *Plus W Inc.*, and Pakistan’s *Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC)*, aimed at streamlining the deployment of Pakistani talent to Japan.

At the “Pakistan-Japan Human Resources Stakeholders Meeting” held on Friday, both parties signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which expands the scope of the existing *Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)* program. The extended agreement now includes 14 sectors, such as healthcare, agriculture, construction, and hospitality, aligning Pakistan’s emerging workforce with Japan’s evolving labor market needs.

OEC Managing Director Naseer Khan Kashani emphasized the significance of this agreement, stating that it plays a crucial role in connecting young Pakistani professionals with global employment opportunities.

Wakaka Sakurai, CEO of *Plus W Inc.*, highlighted that Japan will need approximately 820,000 specialized workers by 2028, with a current shortfall of more than 525,000 positions. She outlined 16 key sectors where skilled manpower is urgently required, presenting a clear opportunity for Pakistani professionals.

Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Akamatsu, also underscored the value of Pakistani talent and its potential to deepen bilateral relations while addressing Japan’s growing need for quality human capital.

Pakistan’s IT professionals have already shown promising results in Japan’s tech sector, with companies like *Plus W*, *Japan Station*, and *Komatsu Pakistan Soft* leading the way. Additionally, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties to support professional mobility, while Minister for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, celebrated the achievements of Pakistani firms during *Japan IT Week* in Tokyo, where 15 companies collectively generated business worth over \$600,000.

This enhanced cooperation marks a pivotal step in fostering mutually beneficial employment pathways and reinforcing economic ties between the two countries.

Would you like a breakdown of the 16 sectors in Japan where skilled workers are currently needed?