Japan: Information on illegal foreign workers
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | JPN18639.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Japan: Information on illegal foreign workers, 1 November 1994, JPN18639.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aaf710.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a Kyodo News Service report carried in a BBC Summary report of 19 November 1993, the labour ministry estimates that
foreign workers in Japan top about 600,000 at present, accounting for more than 1% of the nation's overall work force. ... Of the total, about half are illegal workers, 200,000 are employed by Japanese companies, and 100,000 are artists, entertainers and other freelance workers.
Additional information on illegal workers and on the general situation of employment of foreigners in Japan is contained in the attached media reports.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 19 November 1993. "Labour Ministry Issues First Survey Results on Foreign Workers." (NEXIS)
Attachments
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 19 November 1993. "Labour Ministry Issues First Survey Results on Foreign Workers." (NEXIS)
The Daily Yomiuri. 7 March 1994. "Number of Illegal Foreigners; Decreases for First Time in '93." (NEXIS)
The Nikkei Weekly. 22 August 1994. "Center Recruits Foreigners for Local Firms." (NEXIS)
. 3 October 1992. "Labor Ministry Toughens Stance on Illegal Workers; Compulsory Reports Aimed at Improving Work Conditions." (NEXIS)
Japan Economic Newswire. 4 May 1994. "Strong Yen Curbed Foreigners' Arrivals in Japan in '93." (NEXIS)
. 16 November 1993. "Ministry Issues First Results on Foreign Workers." (NEXIS)
The Xinhua News Agency. 29 May 1994. "Illness, Suicide Claim Lives of 30 Thais in Japan." (NEXIS)
