"Bold" Plan For Unskilled Foreigners

[Mulboyne]

Asahi: Nagase enters foreign-worker feud
Justice Minister Jinen Nagase proposed that Japan move to accept unskilled foreign workers, a "personal idea" that has startled bureaucrats and complicated debate on reforming a problem-ridden trainee-intern program. Nagase's proposal was broached on Tuesday amid a tug-of-war between the labor and industry ministries over their conflicting reform plans released over the past week on the foreign trainee-intern program. The labor ministry wants to end unlawful labor practices associated with the program, while the industry ministry wants to help smaller companies that are having a tough time finding workers. Nagase entered the fray Tuesday with a plan that called for the program's abolition, rather than reform. The plan would, in effect, pave the way for unskilled workers to enter Japan under certain conditions. Specifically, a limited number of foreigners will be allowed to work up to three years under the supervision of government-sanctioned entities. These workers should not stay after that period, and their wages and working conditions must be safeguarded, according to Nagase's proposal. The plan surprised mandarins of both the labor and industry ministries. "We've never expected such a bold plan to come out," one official said... To cope with the shortage of workers, business circles are calling on the government to lift the ban on unskilled foreign workers under certain conditions. But the government has so far maintained its position to keep out unskilled workers for social security and other reasons. The labor ministry insists that accepting them could negatively affect wages and other working conditions for Japanese workers...more...

This plan has already been floated in one form or another but it is the first time a minister has backed it in public, even in a private capacity.

[emperor]

they should run a visa lottery program

[Mulboyne]

they should run a visa lottery program

Arguably, they already have one.

[Mulboyne]

According to the Nikkei (Japanese), Nagase has formalized his proposal as head of an LDP project team looking into this issue and will submit it for approval by the end of the month. The details are much the same as those outlined above a year ago but the article mentions a special body being set up to mediate on behalf of companies looking for workers which will also confirm salary and welfare conditions. Foreign workers will be able to engage in all industries but there is some mention of restrictions in industries such as shipping and harbour work. If existing take-up rates at companies is any guide, foreigners could comprise 1-in-20 blue collar workers if the proposals are accepted.