Japan Immigration News

Abolition of Technical Intern Training Program: Improve Treatment of Foreign Workers under New System

Release Date: 2023-11-10
Media: The Japan News
Summary: Japan plans to replace its troubled technical intern training program with a new system to attract foreign workers as valued labor, not just cheap labor. The current program, launched in 1993 to share skills in fields like agriculture and construction, now employs around 340,000 foreign trainees. However, issues like unpaid wages and excessive work hours have led to trainee disappearances, with 9,000 trainees absconding last year alone.

The proposed system, expected to be formalized next year, would allow trainees to gain “specified skilled worker” status after passing skill tests, enabling them to stay in Japan for up to five additional years and invite family if they acquire expert skills. Trainees could also transfer to other companies within the same industry after one year if they pass a basic exam.

While some companies worry about turnover after investing in training, this system aims to reduce absconding by allowing workplace flexibility and encouraging better treatment of trainees, including improved wages and housing. To address issues of trainees’ debts due to high fees paid to dispatch organizations, it is recommended that Japanese companies consider covering some of the travel costs. Additionally, the government is urged to expand Japanese language education for trainees.
Tags: Technical Intern Training

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