Japan Quietly Shifts Immigration Policies to Address Population Crisis
United kingdom, United state
Japan is increasingly relying on foreign workers to address its ageing population and low fertility rates. In 2022, 30% of Japan's population was over 65, with a fertility rate of just 1.2.
New laws now make it easier for foreign workers to stay longer and switch jobs. The number of foreign workers reached 2.05 million in October 2022, with Vietnamese, Chinese, and Filipinos making up the largest groups.
Despite this, Japan will need three times more foreign workers by 2040. However, challenges remain, including long hours, unpaid wages, and restrictive job-change policies, prompting many foreign workers to leave.