The government will launch a new system in fiscal 2019 for certifying experienced local government officials as professional advisers who facilitate coexistence with foreign nationals, government sources said Thursday.
The move comes ahead of a planned increase in the acceptance of foreign workers, with hopes that the advisers will be able to advise local governments unsure of how to handle problems between Japanese residents and foreign nationals.
Over five years beginning next fiscal year, the government will accept up to 345,150 foreign workers. The adviser system will be introduced as part of a set of comprehensive measures on coexisting with foreign nationals compiled by the government on Tuesday.
Through the new system, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry will seek cooperation from municipalities that have already accepted many foreign residents, and certify experienced officials from those local governments as professional advisers. The ministry will then publish on websites and other media relevant information about the advisers, such as details on their careers and areas of specialty.
The advisers are envisioned as providing consultations via phone or email, holding lectures and receiving study tours from other municipalities. The government hopes to certify as many advisers as possible and will not set an upper limit on the number of certified advisers.
Foreign workers must pass a Japanese proficiency test for daily conversation to qualify for residence status under the new system. However, some problems could still arise between local Japanese residents and foreigners over rules on traffic and trash disposal among other matters, which may arise due to differences in lifestyles, cultures and customs.
Some municipalities have voiced concerns about the influx of foreigners, noting it will be difficult for them to respond in various languages even if they are asked to do so. With the help of the adviser system, the government expects municipalities to share their experiences in handling relevant problems and preventing such problems from occurring. It is hoped municipalities will be able to help and advise each other.
The comprehensive measures compiled by the government include 126 steps for ensuring the smooth acceptance of foreign workers. The steps will mainly focus on supporting foreign workers' daily lives, such as by establishing 100 multi-language consultation centers. The government appropriated about 16.3 billion yen to implement the measures in its draft budget for fiscal 2019.
To promote cooperation among municipalities, the government also plans to hold meetings on coexisting with foreign nationals starting next fiscal year. It will also create a database with information about various new initiatives implemented by municipalities.
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