Japan will embark on revision of labor system in an effort to encourage growth of the foreign labor force.

The Japanese government will extend the duration of stay up to five years from current three years for jobs listed under interns and trainees. Then number of sectors allowed to accept trainees will be increased to more than current 62. Trainees will be protected under the Labor Standards Law and minimum wage laws while penalties for violators will be stiffened.

Demand in revision of labor laws for foreigners has been increasing in the business community, the Japanese government said in a press release.

Five government ministries including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Trade and Industry is going to set up a liaison conference to begin the revision process.

The Immigration Bureau opened investigation of actual conditions and will release revised immigration control early next year.

Japan Immigration