Statement by Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai
on Cabinet Approval of Basic Policy for Implementing System Concerning Status of Residence of Foreigners with Specific Skills

December 25, 2018

Yoshimitsu Kobayashi
Chairman, Keizai Doyukai

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1. The Cabinet has approved today (1) the Basic Policy and the Sector-Specific Policy for Implementing the System Concerning Status of Residence of Foreigners with Specific Skills (the "Basic Policy") and (2) the Comprehensive Measures for Accepting and Co-Living with Foreign Workers. As these are the basis of the system concerning status of residence of foreigners with 'specific skills,' the government should report to the Diet the overall picture including details of relevant orders and ordinances before putting them into force, as well as inform the public to seek their understanding.
2. The Basic Policy clarifies specific business sectors that must resolve the labor shortage by accepting foreign workers as well as basic requirements of foreign human resources. The smooth implementation of the system, however, needs more specific institutional design such as clarification of requirements that potential registration supporting institutions must satisfy, and effective measures for regions with a serious labor shortage. Meanwhile, the Comprehensive Measures for Accepting and Co-Living with Foreign Workers from more diverse countries must be accompanied by operational system which enables coordination and integration among national government agencies and strengthens partnerships with local governments.
3. The Basic Policy is said to go through studies around two years from the enforcement of the revised Act of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition and if necessary, it will be reviewed for changes. To this end, the government should introduce a system for "new status of residence" and simultaneously, start full-fledged discussions at an early stage on blueprinting a long-term vision for accepting foreign workers and a basic policy reflecting the vision. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the "new status of residence" should be assessed, and a comprehensive review of the system, including its changes such as abolition of the technical intern training system, should not be ruled out.

Japanese version