"国連ビジネスと人権作業部会、各国政府と企業に対し移民労働者の保護強化を要請する報告書を国連総会に提出," 5 November 2025

Ensuring National Leadership in Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

On 24 October, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights presented its Report "Labour migration, business and human rights" at the UN General Assembly in New York, urging governments and companies to take stronger action, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, to address the serious and structural challenges faced by migrant workers.
…

Concerns Raised Regarding the New “Employment for Skill Development” Programme Based on Information from Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan

In preparing the report, the Working Group invited governments and civil society organisations to submit information by the end of April 2025. In response, the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan provided information on seven issues, including the transition from the Technical Intern Training Programme to the new Employment for Skill Development programme. The Japanese government also submitted information.

Based on the information submitted by the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan, paragraph 10 of the Report refers to Japan and acknowledges that, while efforts have been made to improve the system, concerns have been raised in relation to the newly established programme. Drawing on the information provided by the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan, the report notes these concerns in a footnote, including restrictions on changing employers for a period of one to two years, requirements regarding the skills and Japanese-language abilities of foreign workers, and limits on the number of such workers that receiving companies may accept.
[…]

Here is paragraph 10...

10. Temporary labour migration programmes remain pervasive among destination countries. That situation can create a permanent state of limbo for migrant workers by preventing pathways to permanent residency or citizenship and restricting their entitlements to social welfare benefits and family reunification. 13 Employer-tied permits further restrict their freedom of movement; loss of employment also results in immediate loss of legal residency. The Working Group notes longstanding criticisms about the kafalah system14 and, despite the improvements made,15 concerns that are now being raised about aspects of Japan’s new Employment for Skill Development programme.16