"Japan sets up panel to review foreign trainee program" 22 November 2022

The Japanese government set up Tuesday a panel of experts mainly composed of academics, municipal government chiefs and lawyers who will review the country's problematic foreign technical intern program and propose ways to improve it.

An increasing number of cases of harassment and abuse of foreign trainees has resulted in mounting criticism at home and abroad for the decades-old program, with claims that it is a cover for companies to import cheap labour rather than a program to transfer skills to developing countries.

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The members are expected to meet once a month and compile a midterm report around next spring before submitting a final report around the fall of 2023. Relevant government ministries and agencies will then revise the actual program.

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At study sessions held by the justice minister earlier this year, participating experts said there was a lack of information shared to both trainees and employers prior to the start of the internships, which has led to a discrepancy between wages and skills.

Among other issues discussed included trainees incurring large debts to enter Japan, working illegal hours and not receiving wages.

The panel is expected to hold discussions based on such findings.

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