Multymeter.com-Business & Finance: Japan will use the Ikusei Shuro Labor System. This system will replace the foreign system. To get to know the new system, and its advantages over the foreign system will be described below.
Ikusei Shuro (育成就労) is a new employment system in Japan that came into effect on April 1, 2024. The system is designed to:
Improving the welfare of foreign workers: Ikusei Shuro offers better protections for foreign workers, such as minimum wages, reasonable working hours, and access to health insurance.
Makes it easier to change jobs: Unlike the previous system, where foreign workers were only allowed to work for one company, Ikusei Shuro allows workers to move to another company in the same field after one year.
Increase worker retention: The system aims to attract and retain skilled foreign workers by offering more stable and flexible employment opportunities.
Here are some important points about Ikusei Shuro:
Visa Type: Foreign workers who wish to work under the Ikusei Shuro system require a “Specified Skills” (特定技能) visa with “Ikusei Shuro” status.
Industrial Sectors: This system is open to 14 industrial sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture and elderly services.
Skill Levels: There are two skill levels in the Ikusei Shuro system:
Level 1: For workers with basic and intermediate skills.
Tier 2: For workers with higher skills and relevant work experience.
• Skills Test: To obtain an Ikusei Shuro visa, applicants must pass a Japanese language skills test and basic knowledge of Japan.
• Change of Sponsor: Foreign workers can change sponsors (companies) after one year of working at the first company.
• Period of Stay: The Ikusei Shuro Visa allows foreign workers to stay in Japan for five years, with the possibility of extension.
Benefits of Ikusei Shuro:
For Foreign Workers:
• Better job protection
• More stable and flexible work opportunities
• Higher minimum salary
• Access to health insurance
• Opportunity to improve skills
For Companies:
○ Access to skilled foreign labor
○ Increased productivity
○ Reduced recruitment costs
Disadvantages of Ikusei Shuro:
○ Complicated application process: Visa requirements and skills tests can be a barrier for some applicants.
○ Dependence on sponsors: Foreign workers are still tied to their sponsoring companies, which can limit their mobility.
○ Potential for exploitation: There is still a risk of foreign workers being exploited by irresponsible companies.
Conclusion:
Ikusei Shuro is a new employment system in Japan that aims to improve the welfare of foreign workers and address the country\’s labor shortage. This system offers several benefits to foreign workers and companies, but there are still some shortcomings that need to be addressed.***
