Philippines and Japan discuss easier SSW1-to-SSW2 path for Filipino workers ahead of 2027 programme shift

Philippine and Japanese labour officials concluded three days of consultations on 1 October on helping Filipino workers progress from SSW1 to SSW2 under Japan's Specified Skilled Worker system, ahead of the Employment for Skill Development Program starting in April 2027.

Philippine and Japanese officials concluded three days of bilateral consultations on 1 October at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office in Makati City, exploring ways to expand employment and career development opportunities for Filipino workers in Japan, The Filipino Times reported.

Discussions focused on Japan's Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) system and the transition to the Employment for Skill Development Program, which begins in April 2027. Officials discussed measures that could make it easier for Filipino workers to progress from SSW1, the entry-level category, to SSW2, which offers qualified workers opportunities for longer-term employment in Japan.

The two sides also explored incentives aimed at retaining skilled Filipino workers, closer monitoring of their working conditions, employment and residency status, and upskilling and lifelong learning programmes, The Global Filipino Magazine reported. The agenda also covered hiring routes open to OFWs and protections for workers already deployed.

DMW Assistant Secretaries Julyn Ambito-Fermin and Levinson Alcantara represented the Philippines, while Kentaro Watanabe of Japan's Operations and Planning Office for SSW led the Japanese side. "The Philippines shall remain steadfast in its commitment to strengthening our bilateral relations for the benefit of our nations and, most especially, our Filipino workers," Ambito-Fermin said.

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