A program of the Japanese government will create a new residence status for foreign workers. It means to extend the range of industries for foreign workers, as well as lengthening their stay for up to 5 years. The Japanese government only has to finalize the rules of this new temporary residence.
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Ambassador Koji Haneda approximated that the new status would allow about 50,000 workers from the Philippines into Japan over the course of 6 years. As the program lifts the ban on foreigners working in manual labor, the hiring will take place in nursing, farming, construction, hospitality, and shipbuilding industries.
Photo from Lonely Planet
He stated:
While we are waiting for the rules and regulations of this new scheme to be released, I personally estimate more than 50,000 workers from the Philippines will come to work in Japan with this new work permit by 2025.
In order to accept more foreign workers in Japan, we will create a new residency status for foreign workers with a certain level of expertise or skill from next year.
In this area, Japan and the Philippines can form truly mutually complementary relations. Japan faces an aging society and lacks labor force, while the Philippines is abundant with young labor force with great potential. Filipino workers are expected to help Japan address the issues arising from aging society. Japan can provide qualified Filipino workers with job opportunities.
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The problem of an aging society is one harshly felt by Japan. Already, they are facing a labor shortage that threatens to affect their overall economy and productivity. Its government realizes, unlike other countries, that opening the borders is the most viable solution.
Prime Minister Abe further justifies this by saying:
Labor shortage is becoming an increasingly serious issue, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises in local districts. For this reason, there is an urgent need to establish a system for accepting a wide range of foreign personnel who have specific expertise and skills, and can be of immediate help. The draft Basic Policy that was presented today clearly sets forth the creation of a new category of residence status, as a matter separate from immigration policies.
The Japanese economy is facing an urgent need to increase our potential growth rate by increasing productivity and securing human resources both in terms of quality and quantity as labor shortages become prominent.
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As the policy is still in its last stages of conclusion there have been no details released yet on the application process, or specific opportunities. It is also unclear how many slots will be afforded each year and how the program will be rolled out.
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Source: Rappler
