Japan has initiated the process of replacing its controversial Technical Intern Training Program for foreign nationals with a new and improved system set to launch in 2027. The government’s goal is to enhance working conditions and address criticisms that have long plagued the existing program. Operational guidelines for the new framework are expected to be finalized by the end of next year.
On Tuesday, a panel of 14 experts from various fields was appointed to provide insights and recommendations on the government’s draft proposals. This group will help shape both the general framework and sector-specific guidelines for the new system. Their first meeting is scheduled for January, with the government aiming to solidify the basic policy outline by February. The new initiative, referred to as the “training employment system,” is expected to replace the current framework officially in 2027.
Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki emphasized the government’s commitment to leveraging the panel’s expertise to improve the Specified Skilled Worker system and implement the training employment system effectively. “The Justice Ministry is dedicated to incorporating the insights of these experts and refining these frameworks to better support foreign workers,” Suzuki stated during a news briefing.
The existing Technical Intern Training Program, established in 1993, has faced widespread criticism for enabling harsh working conditions and human rights violations. Reports suggest that some employers have exploited the program to secure inexpensive labor, rather than offering meaningful training opportunities. Under the current system, trainees are classified as non-formal workers and are typically required to return to their home countries after completing their three-year training period.
Challenges with the program have become increasingly evident. In 2023, the Immigration Services Agency reported a record 9,753 foreign technical trainees went missing from their workplaces for various reasons. As of June, there were approximately 426,000 foreign trainees in Japan, with significant representation from Cambodia (50%), Indonesia (20%), the Philippines (9%), and Myanmar (7%).
The new program, approved by parliament in June, aims to elevate the skill levels of foreign workers while offering greater job flexibility. Under the new system, trainees will have the opportunity to switch jobs under specific conditions and achieve skill levels that qualify them for a Type 1 Specified Skilled Worker visa. This visa would enable them to remain in Japan for an additional five years, creating a pathway for longer-term employment and career advancement.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi highlighted the importance of addressing existing issues, such as human rights violations, and creating a supportive environment for foreign workers. “In light of the worsening labor shortage, it is crucial to establish a framework that not only protects workers but also makes Japan an attractive destination for global talent,” Hayashi stated during a ministerial meeting.
By replacing the Technical Intern Training Program with the training employment system, Japan aims to foster a more equitable and sustainable environment for foreign workers while addressing labor shortages and promoting career growth opportunities.
