Numerous Foreign Trainees Forced to Work under Harsh Conditions in Japan

Far away from home and eager to work, migrant workers can be easy targets for exploitation. In Japan, the story is no different. Foreign vocational trainees in Japan, especially from China, have been forced to work overtime at little or no pay and are often paid illegally low wages. Even worse, foreign employment agencies charged exorbitant fees to send trainees to Japan, leaving many indebted and with no choice but to accept low-paying jobs with severe conditions in order to repay what they owe. Until recently, these foreign trainees enjoyed little protection or outlet to combat unfair labor practices. But now the government may revise regulations to review working conditions of companies that hire foreign trainees as well as punish offenders more stringently. Adopting the right policy is necessary for Japan’s long run economic health. Faced with an aging population, the country may become dependent on foreign workers from other countries to maintain the size of its economy and workforce to support its pensioners. Without solid workers’ rights, Japan will be unable to attract the best workers from around the world. – YaleGlobal