Over 23,000 complaints received from foreign technical trainees in Japan

An organization that supports foreign technical trainees in Japan says it received more than 23,000 complaints in fiscal 2021. This comes amid reports about various problems, such as trainees not being paid or being unjustly dismissed.

Japan has a program for trainees from developing countries. The individuals are able to learn about technology and acquire skills, while they work in the country.

The Organization for Technical Intern Training says the number of complaints nearly doubled from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2021. It says the figure tripled between fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2021. The organization started providing consultation services five years ago.

Officials say that "mistreatment" topped the list of reasons given for consultations. There were nearly 4,000 consultations about that issue. Mistreatment was followed on the list by "working conditions," such as wages and overtime. There were about 3,900 consultations about those matters. There were also 3,000 consultations regarding a trainee's desire to "resign early and return home."

Government officials say more than 320,000 foreign trainees were in the country, as of the end of June. But some critics of the program contend that foreign trainees are just being used as cheap labor.

Managing Director and Chief Program Officer of the Japan Center for International Exchange, Menju Toshihiro, is an expert on foreign labor issues.

He points out that the number of trainees has been increasing, and there are now more than 300,000. Menju says it is becoming impossible to monitor everything, as there are so many trainees.

He says the government should focus on addressing human rights issues, as those matters receive a lot of international attention.

Menju adds that it is necessary to review the program. He says officials should find ways to attract foreign workers, who can play active roles in Japan.

He notes that many countries are competing to acquire manpower now that the coronavirus pandemic is winding down. He says it is necessary to think about whether Japan is really a country that foreign workers would choose to go to.

The government has set up an expert panel to review its foreign trainee program. The panel will soon hold its first meeting to discuss reforms.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221212_11/