Japan faces a labor gap due to its aging population, quadrupling foreign workers since 2007, but hesitates to create long-term residency pathways.

Japan faces a labor gap due to its declining and aging population, causing a quadrupling of foreign workers since 2007. Despite the need, Japan is hesitant to create long-term residency pathways for these workers, which could give it a disadvantage compared to other labor-seeking countries. Foreign-born employees earn around 30% less than their Japanese counterparts, contributing to precarious relationships with employers and limited career advancement. Japan has passed laws to increase the number of low-skilled "guest laborers," but significant migration remains limited, and concerns about language training and permanent residency persist.

August 05, 2024
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