Economy Policy
Japan pushes for 2-year transfer rule for foreign workers in key industries
The new proposal covers eight key sectors of Japan’s economy and has raised concerns over immigrant rights and existing labour laws.
The Japanese government is proposing a new rule requiring foreign workers to stay in certain jobs for at least two years before they can change employers. The measure is part of a broader plan to overhaul the country’s foreign worker training programme.
The proposal, presented at an expert panel meeting on Sept. 17, would apply to foreign workers in the nursing, industrial goods manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding and marine industry, automobile maintenance, food and beverage production, food service, and resource recycling sectors. According to officials, these industries require workers to acquire essential skills over a longer period of time.
The Cabinet is expected to approve the plan by the end of the year following a review by the expert panel.
The two-year requirement has raised widespread concerns that it would conflict with Japan’s labour laws and fail to adequately protect the rights of migrant workers. Under current interpretations of Japan’s Civil Code and relevant laws, contract employees are generally allowed to resign after one year of employment.
In January, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives urged the government to mandate a one-year employment period for foreign workers across all sectors, warning that the inconsistencies in the country’s labour standards would discourage foreigners from applying for jobs in Japan.
Supporters of the new law, which include members of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, argued that allowing transfers after such a short period would lead to a talent drain from the country’s rural areas.
The government said it intends to launch the new scheme in April 2027 to replace the controversial Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP). Established in 1993, the TITP prohibited foreign interns from changing jobs for three years, a rule that was linked to incidents of trainees fleeing from abusive working conditions.
The revised programme seeks to address this issue by allowing workplace transfers in cases of violence or harassment and permitting workers to request transfers based on certain criteria, such as working conditions and pay raises.
The proposal also designates a separate category for nine sectors, including hospitality, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, requiring only a minimum of one year of employment before allowing transfers.
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