New foreign worker program to limit transfers to urban centers
A government expert panel meets on Feb. 6 in Tokyo to discuss the upcoming migrant worker program. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
The government has outlined measures to prevent an excessive concentration of foreign workers in major urban areas under a new system that will replace the much-criticized technical trainee program.
The Employment for Skill Development (ESD) program, which will start in April 2027, will allow foreign workers to stay in Japan for three years.
Unlike the 30-year-old Technical Intern Training program, the ESD system will allow workers to change jobs within the same industry after one to two years, offering greater flexibility and an improved work environment.
However, concerns have risen that the workers will flock to urban areas with higher wage levels, leaving rural regions understaffed.
The government's draft regulations will introduce transfer limits for eight of the nation's most populous prefectures: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Aichi, Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo.
Under the regulations, such job changers can make up no more than one-sixth of the foreign workforces at businesses in these prefectures, unless they are located in depopulated communities.
Businesses in other prefectures will be allowed to employ up to three times the standard number of foreign workers if the employers and their supervisors display a high standard in supporting the workers and their Japanese language training.
Additionally, employers and supervisors will be required to provide at least 100 hours of comprehensive Japanese language education, with mandatory financial support for such training.
Despite its stated goal of supporting developing nations, the foreign trainee program has been criticized as merely a means of securing cheap, unskilled labor in Japan.
Numerous reports have highlighted poor working conditions, abusive employers and desperate workers disappearing from their workplaces.
EXISTING PROGRAM EXPANDED
Separately, the government is moving to expand its Specified Skilled Worker program, a visa category for more advanced laborers.
A new proposal aims to include three additional fields: logistics warehouse management, waste disposal and linen supply services.
The SSW program currently covers 16 sectors, including agriculture, fisheries and restaurants.
It has two sub-categories: Type 1 and the more advanced Type 2. The new sectors will initially fall under the Type 1 category.
SSW Type 1 allows workers to stay in Japan for up to five years, while Type 2 permits indefinite residency and family accompaniment.
The government plans to integrate the ESD program with the existing SSW program, creating a streamlined pathway from a three-year training role to longer-term residency.
To ensure a smoother transition from ESD to SSW, the two categories will share 17 sectors, excluding driving and aviation.
Although workers can skip the ESD program and apply directly for SSW, this requires higher labor skills and greater language proficiency.
Public comments on the new regulations will be accepted until May 27, with formal adoption expected later this summer.
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