East Asia Businesses warn of hiring difficulties as the sector approaches its cap under the country’s specified skilled worker programme. People dine at an izakaya restaurant in the Shinjuku district in Tokyo on March 30, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Ludovic Marin) This audio is generated by an AI tool. TOKYO: Japan has stopped accepting new foreign workers in its food services sector from Monday (Apr 13), as the industry nears its quota under a skilled worker scheme. The move affects hiring under the country’s specified skilled worker programme, which allows foreign nationals to work in selected industries facing labour shortages, including restaurants and food services. Businesses warn the decision could worsen hiring challenges in an already tight labour market. RESTAURANTS BRACE FOR IMPACT Among those affected is Nawab, a chain restaurant serving Indian and Pakistani cuisine with five outlets in Tokyo. All 20 of its staff come from South Asia. Its owner said Monday’s announcement has ...