Navigating Visa Challenges in Japan: Protecting Foreign Workers
Updated: Mar 3
I recently read a troubling article on NHK that highlights a growing issue in Japan’s immigration system: foreign workers entering Japan on a legal work visa, but ending up doing illegal work without realizing it. With Japan becoming increasingly strict toward foreign workers in recent years, stories like this unfortunately make the situation even worse. When visa systems are abused, it creates political pressure, fuels negative public opinion, and leads to tighter regulations for everyone — including honest workers and responsible employers. Most importantly, it puts foreign workers at serious risk.
A Visa Category That Has More Than Tripled
Japan has around 20 different work visa categories, and one of the most widely used is:
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務). This visa covers a broad range of professional roles, including:
IT engineers and programmers
Designers
Translators and interpreters
Marketing and business professionals
Accountants (in some cases)
According to NHK, the number of foreign workers under this visa has more than tripled since 2015 — rising from 137,706 to 458,109 by June 2025. Within the past five years alone, it increased by over 100,000. It is now the second most common status after permanent residents.
The Rising Number of “Help Requests”
A Tokyo-based non-profit organization supporting Vietnamese workers reported a sharp rise in consultations since late 2024. Many workers have been reaching out because:
They are being forced into work outside their visa scope.
They are unsure if their job is legal.
They are being exploited by employers.
Some are unpaid or suddenly fired.
This is not just a labor issue — it is an immigration compliance issue.
A Real Case: “Right Visa, Wrong Work”
NHK introduced a Vietnamese woman (using a pseudonym, “Tran”) who came to Japan with the correct visa on paper — but the actual work she was assigned was not allowed. Tran had a university degree and worked as an accountant in Vietnam. She wanted to earn more money to support her family, so she decided to come to Japan. Here is the most serious part:
She paid over USD 7,000 to an agent in Vietnam.
She was told she would work at a hotel.
But she was not told the job would be cleaning and kitchen work, which is considered unskilled labor.
She ended up washing dishes and doing hotel back-of-house work.
She did not realize this was outside her visa category.
In other words: Her visa was legal. Her job was illegal. And she did not even know it.
How the Scam Worked (According to NHK)
NHK investigated and found a transnational scheme involving:
Brokers in Vietnam.
A former employee of a staffing company in Japan.
Fake job listings and fraudulent visa applications.
The staffing company CEO said a former employee was allegedly using the company name without permission to submit visa applications. Workers were brought into Japan with no real professional job waiting for them, and then redirected into unskilled labor roles. The brokers collected huge commissions, and workers arrived in Japan already burdened with debt — making them vulnerable and afraid to speak up.
Why This Is Becoming a Political Issue in Japan
This part is important. Japan is facing a serious labor shortage, especially in industries such as:
Hotels
Cleaning
Food service
Factories
Warehousing
In the past, many of these roles were filled through the Technical Intern Training Program, which has been criticized and is now being restructured. At the same time, Japan has expanded entry for “professional workers,” especially under the Engineer/Humanities/International Services visa. But NHK points out a key issue: This visa category is not monitored as strictly as trainee programs. So brokers found a loophole: Use the “professional visa” route to bring in unskilled workers.
This creates a serious risk for Japan:
Immigration credibility declines.
Foreign workers become victims.
Trust in the system collapses.
Political pressure increases.
Rules become stricter for everyone.
Stricter Immigration Enforcement Is Not “Bad” — It May Be Necessary
Recently, political parties in Japan have been becoming stricter toward foreign workers. Many foreign residents feel worried, and it can feel unfair. However, cases like this show why Japan is moving in that direction. If the system is not controlled properly:
Workers are exploited.
Companies cut corners.
Honest employers suffer.
Foreign workers become scapegoats.
Immigration policy becomes harsher overall.
In that sense, stricter enforcement and better oversight can actually be a good move — not to exclude foreigners, but to protect:
Japan’s labor system.
Legitimate foreign professionals.
Vulnerable workers from exploitation.
The credibility of immigration itself.
Important Advice for Foreign Workers in Japan
If you are currently in Japan on a work visa, especially Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, you should take this seriously.
1) Check Your Job Description Carefully
Your actual daily tasks must match your visa scope. Even if the company tells you “it’s okay,” immigration law does not work that way.
2) If Your Tasks Don’t Match, You Are at Risk
You may face:
Visa renewal refusal.
Cancellation of status.
Difficulties changing jobs.
Being blamed even if you were deceived.
3) Confirm with Your Company Immediately
If there is any discrepancy, ask your employer in writing:
What is my official role?
What tasks am I expected to perform?
How does this match my visa status?
4) Consult a Legal Professional If You Are Unsure
If your company cannot explain clearly, consult:
An immigration lawyer / administrative scrivener (行政書士).
A trusted legal firm.
A certified support organization.
An NPO that supports foreign workers.
Do not wait until you are fired or your visa renewal is close.
Final Thoughts
The NHK article shows something very clear: Sometimes, foreign workers are not breaking the law intentionally — they are being placed into illegal work through schemes designed to exploit loopholes. But immigration consequences can still fall on the worker. Japan needs foreign workers. Foreign workers are essential to Japan’s future. But if the visa system continues to be abused, the result will be:
Stricter rules, stricter screening, and tougher enforcement for everyone.
The best protection is awareness. If you are working in Japan, please take time to confirm that your job description and your actual work duties match your visa category. If something feels wrong, seek advice early.
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