Authorities in Japan have announced that starting in October, international trainees will be subject to easier rules when planning to transfer jobs.
The decision comes after the number of those who quit jobs without notice as a result of poor working conditions and other reasons marked a record high last year of 9,753, VisaGuide.World reports.
As part of Japan’s technical intern program, workers currently are not allowed to switch workplaces for the first three years, in principle, after they are asked to develop their skills in one area. Job transfer is permitted if there are unavoidable circumstances.
According to local media reports, the Immigration Services Agency will revise its guidelines, which have often been subject to criticism, in order to ensure that job transfers are permitted if interns are abused or sexually harassed or if there have been violations of laws and regulations at their workplaces, including also a breach of contract.
In addition, the revised guidelines will also allow victims of harassment and their coworkers to request transfers while permitting interns to take a part-time job for more than 28 hours per week over the period of their transfer in order to cover living expenses.
Regarding the issue, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that Japan aims to have a harmonious society and be a nation attractive to international workers.
The policy also aims to accelerate the permanent residency system in anticipation of a surge in applications for this status.
In addition, the government of Japan is also considering revoking permanent residency in cases where holders do not meet their public obligations.
Number of People Leaving Trainee Jobs Reaches 9,000
According to the figures from the Justice Ministry, the number of people leaving trainee jobs without notice has increased continuously, to a total of 9,006 registered in 2022 from 5,885 registered in 2020.
The same source said that about half of these foreign workers were involved in construction-related jobs.
Based on the revised guidelines, a special provision will be provided to those who are unable to find a new employer as a trainee but want to switch to the specified skilled worker program, thus permitting them to temporarily work under a designated activities visa until they pass the exam needed to obtain the status.
The current foreign trainee program will be replaced by the government with a new system in 2027 that will permit job transfers after one or two years of employment at one workplace.