Русский
The COVID-19 pandemic has put the brakes on international travel, and government debate on the intake of foreign labor is also paused. But the establishment of a new platform by the Japan International Cooperation Agency aims to develop a society that is more responsible and inclusive towards migrant workers.
Faced with a declining population, the Japanese government has promoted greater workforce engagement of women and the elderly, but has failed to develop coherent immigration policies. By the end of 2019, Japan’s foreign population had grown to 2.93 million. In April 2019, the first official system providing a status of residence for blue collar workers with special skills was introduced, under the administration of Abe Shinzō. But there was no change in actual policy towards immigration. With no clear approach concerning the intake of foreign labor, this hot potato has been passed on to Suga Yoshihide, the new prime minister.