KUALA LUMPUR - A panel convened by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare met on February 20 to discuss revisions to rules for employers hiring foreign nationals, aiming to curb illegal employment.

The panel, meeting for the first time in roughly 18 months, included experts as well as representatives from management and labour, as reported by The Asahi Shimbun.

The proposed revisions align with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s goal of integrating foreign workers into Japanese society in a more orderly manner.

In January, the government compiled a comprehensive list of policy measures concerning foreign nationals.

A labour representative highlighted that some foreigners work illegally after leaving their original jobs due to harassment, long hours, or unpaid wages.

The representative stressed that companies should establish appropriate working conditions for foreign employees.

By contrast, the management representative said most companies already comply with current regulations, making comprehensive revisions unnecessary.

They suggested that measures should instead target companies that engage in serious violations.

Future panel discussions are expected to produce revised guidelines for companies employing foreign nationals.