Japan’s labour shortage solution: New laws enacted to attract foreign workers! Learn how the country’s new foreign trainee program works!
On Friday, Japan’s parliament enacted legislation to create a new skill development program in which Japan foreign workers program laws. This was for foreign workers to ease serious labour shortages. The government plans to introduce the program as early as 2027. It will replace the current technical intern training scheme for foreigners.
The House of Councillors, the parliament’s upper chamber, approved the legislation to amend laws. However, it also includes the immigration control and refugee recognition law. These received support mainly from the ruling coalition.
The First Technical Training Program for foreigners
It replaces the Technical Intern Training Program. It was established in 1993 to supposedly enhance the technical proficiency of international employees from poor countries. Critics claim that the scheme is just a way for Japan to import labour at a low cost. Due to the limitations of switching companies, many trainees enrolled in the current program left their jobs. Controversies revolved around unpaid wages, excessive hours, and other abuses. Because of this, more than 9,000 trainees vanished from their jobs in 2022 alone.
To stop dishonest brokers from exploiting employees, private companies will not be allowed to facilitate transfers, and supervisory bodies that accept international applicants would need to hire outside auditors to increase responsibility.
How does the new program work?
The new program is designed to train unskilled foreign workers. The training will continue for three years to help them obtain Type 1 residency status. Hence, this status allows them to work in Japan for up to five years.
Those who acquire Type 2 status, granted to highly skilled foreign workers, can effectively live in Japan permanently. They can also bring family members to the country.
Foreign workers in Japan? No need to worry.
Many who have lived in Japan for a long time are concerned about a controversial new clause included in the updates. This is because it gives the government the authority to remove permanent residency status for foreigners. Not to worry! This only applies to foreigners who willfully neglect to pay taxes or social insurance fees. The regulations represent a historic change in Japan’s immigration policy, going into force three years after they were passed.
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