Indian Curry Houses in Japan Spiced with Visa Complications

Japan's Indian curry restaurants find themselves in a tight spot due to stricter immigration policies. These beloved curry houses, largely run by Indian staff, contribute to the international flavor of Japanese cities. However, recent changes in Japan's immigration rules are making it harder for these workers to obtain their visas, leading to potential staff shortages in many such establishments.

Japan has always been known for its strict immigration rules. However, due to an ageing population and shrinking workforce, Japan was forced to relax its immigration policies in recent years. This paved the way for many foreign workers to come and work, enriching the Japanese food industry with cuisines from all over the world. These changes made the Indian curry a favorite in Japan. Now, with the newly introduced stricter Visa laws, there are concerns about the sustainability of these businesses and the impact on the culinary diversity in Japan.

In many Western countries like the U.S. or E.U., immigration laws also impact the restaurant industry, but in a different way. These regions are generally more receptive to immigrants which adds to their diverse food culture. However, when restrictions are applied, it affects the supply of workers, which can lead to restaurant closures or decreased service quality. Therefore, the scenario playing out in Japan is not isolated but reflects a global trend.

Information for Your Country

If you plan to work in Japan, it may be helpful to know the new immigration rules. For detailed information, visit Japan's Immigration Service Agency website (http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/).