リネットジャパングループ launched a new service on 16 September 2026 to dispatch Cambodian workers holding international driving permits to Japanese companies. The industry’s first scheme to enable them to drive immediately after entering Japan aims to address labour shortages in fields where mobility is essential, including logistics and home-visit care.
リネットジャパングループ has launched its “International Driving Permit Human Resources Service,” which dispatches Cambodian workers to Japanese companies while they retain their international driving permits. Its stated advantage is that workers do not need to convert their driving licences after entering Japan and can drive on public roads immediately after arriving in the country.
Japan’s labour shortage has become increasingly severe, particularly at worksites in regional areas and in jobs requiring travel. Previously, foreign workers had to convert their driving licences after entering Japan, leaving companies to bear the costs of waiting periods, driving lessons and accommodation.
The new service supports workers locally in converting legitimately obtained driving licences into international driving permits, establishing a system that enables them to start driving immediately after entering Japan. At its company-operated local schools, the company provides “three-part training” combining instruction in Japanese traffic rules and safe driving, job-specific technical skills, and Japanese-language education.
The company aims to dispatch 100 people in 1 year and approximately 500 people within 3 years. The main fields of application are automotive maintenance, logistics, construction, home-visit care and transport services. The company aims to reduce training costs and waiting periods associated with licence conversion and place work-ready personnel directly into the field.