Japan expands more fields to recruit Vietnamese skilled workers. Illustrative photo
The Japanese government is considering to open additional fields such as agriculture, machinery manufacturing, ship industry, building cleaning, food service, restaurants and hotels for workers under the Class II visa programme, said Pham Viet Huong, deputy director of the Department of Overseas Labour Management under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.
The decision was part of Japan’s efforts to address its serious labour shortages, Huong added.
Pham Viet Huong, deputy director of the Department of Overseas Labour Management under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.
There are currently two categories for Japan's specified skills visa policy.
Workers holding a Class I visa are allowed to live in Japan for up to five years but cannot bring families with them while the Class II visa allows holders to live in the country indefinitely by renewing the status, as well as bringing family members with them.
However, workers under the Class II visa are now limited to two fields including construction and shipbuilding, Huong added.
As the new programme comes into effect, it would help Vietnamese to work longer in Japan. Workers under the Class II visa programme will be entitled to higher income and social welfare regimes.
"With this new change, workers will have more opportunities to choose their profession. Once they have become special-skilled workers, they will receive the same salary and treatment as Japanese,” Huong added.
However, Vietnamese workers need to wait until this year’s autumn season as the new programme is passed by the Japanese government, he added.
The Japanese government is also considering improving working conditions and income levels of Vietnamese workers and interns.
Currently, Vietnamese interns are subject to tax and insurance deductions like Japanese workers, but only receive the basic monthly salary without bonuses and allowances.
"In the near future, Japan will improve working conditions for Vietnamese workers as Japan seeks to attract more foreign workers,” Huong added.