KUALA LUMPUR - The issue of foreign students exceeding the 28 hour weekly limit on part-time work was raised during a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee in Japan on March 6.

A Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker questioned the government about the system that allows international students to engage in part-time work of up to 28 hours per week under permission for activities outside their visa status.

The lawmaker pointed out that there have been many concerns that work, rather than study, has become the main focus of daily life for some students.

In response, the minister in charge of economic security acknowledged that such concerns have been raised and said that violations, including students working more than 28 hours per week, have occurred as the number of international students has increased.

As a possible countermeasure, the government is considering working with educational institutions to better grasp the actual situation and provide guidance to students who work multiple part-time jobs.

The minister also said that from fiscal 2027 the government plans to conduct stricter investigations and screening by utilizing students’ income information through data sharing linked to the My Number identification system.

Details of the measures are currently under review by the Immigration Services Agency.

The minister emphasized that the student visa is originally intended for study, and that those who come to Japan to work should obtain a work-related visa. 

The government will review how permission for activities outside visa status should be granted and managed.

At the same time, the LDP lawmaker noted that while distinguishing between study and work is important, consideration must also be given to the rising cost of living and financial pressures faced by international students.

The lawmaker said stricter enforcement should be accompanied by discussions on support systems for students studying in Japan.

According to the Immigration Services Agency, about 435,000 foreign nationals were staying in Japan with student visas as of the end of June 2025, accounting for roughly 10% of all foreign residents.

International students are generally not permitted to work. However, if they obtain permission from immigration authorities, they may work part-time for up to 28 hours per week.

New students can typically receive this permission upon arrival by submitting basic information such as their name and date of birth.

The system was introduced to help students cover part of their living expenses, but critics say it has also become a source of illegal employment.

There have also been concerns about some Japanese language schools operating primarily to bring in foreign workers rather than to provide education.