With the manpower shortage becoming serious, there are more than a few industries that are having difficulty operating their businesses. To prevent society from losing its vitality, there needs to be a broad discussion of how the workforce from abroad should be in Japan.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed a policy of considering an increase in the country's acceptance of foreign workers. A course of action will be incorporated into the "Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform," known as the "big-boned policy," that will be compiled as early as in June.
Regarding the residency status to be given to people engaged in highly specialized or technical fields, such as medical doctors and lawyers, the types of businesses to be covered are expected to increase from the current 18 categories. Such sectors as retail, construction, transport and agriculture will be taken up for discussion.
Over the past five years, the number of workers in this country rose by 3.06 million, with foreign workers up 600,000, accounting for 20 percent of the overall increase. Taking into account the reality of the continuing population decline in Japan, with the aging population combined with the chronically low birthrate, it is understandable for the government to discuss a possible increase in the acceptance of foreigners.
With a certain level of Japanese language ability and other skills as required conditions, newly establishing a residency status for people who are engaged in categories of jobs less specialized than have been conventionally covered may become an option.
The system should be designed in such a way that it will be attractive to both business enterprises and society, as well as workers from overseas.
A great problem is the present fact that out of the 1.27 million foreign workers now working in Japan, part-time workers -- including foreign students and others -- account for 23 percent and technical interns 20 percent.
Eliminate sectionalism
Among foreign students studying at Japanese language schools and the like, some are said to have daily lives centered on their part-time work.
The technical intern training system assumes a certain role in the technical transfers that are assisting newly emerging economies. But there is no end to companies that regard these technical interns as cheap labor.
An on-the-spot investigation conducted by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry in 2016 found that 70 percent of the business establishments where foreign technical interns were working were in violation of the Labor Standards Law and the like.
Expanding the acceptance of foreigners who come to Japan with the intention of working would help rectify the current structure, which is too dependent on foreigners coming to study or for technical intern training.
The government has steadfastly maintained the principle of not adopting an immigration policy that assumes permanent residency of foreign workers. Considering the magnitude of the impact on society, it is reasonable to make a prudent response to the matter.
Regarding workers who come to Japan in conformity with the system, it is hoped that the companies hosting them will make efforts to help them better understand Japanese society and culture.
Greatly expanding the acceptance of foreign manpower will represent a major change in labor policy. The issue must be discussed from various angles in order for the changed policy to take root smoothly.
The government should work out a comprehensive strategy that encompasses wage levels and livelihood support, in addition to working environments.
A wide range of ministries and agencies, including the Justice Ministry, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the National Police Agency, will tackle a diverse number of tasks. To eliminate bureaucratic sectionalism, it is essential to expand the inter-ministerial council that the government established last month and clarify who is in charge of these duties.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 22, 2018)
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