Japan Pays Foreign Workers to Go Home

Posted by Justin Bresolin

In the light of the global economic crisis, Japan has instituted the controversial policy of providing payment to foreign immigrant labor to leave the recession-wracked Japan and not return. Laborers will be paid approximate thousands of dollars to return to their native country, and rescind their work visas, unable to apply for one again. Currently this deal is limited to the Nation's Latin American, predominantly Brazilian workers, individuals who emigrated to the country to work via a special visa for those of proven Japanese descent. At the time of the article's writing, approximately 100 workers have agreed to the offer.

Critics have expressed strong opposition to the program, arguing it to be inhumane and short-sighted. Hidenori Sakanaka, director of the independent Japan Immigration Policy Institute, argues that the program is "cold-hearted," and that Japan is "kicking itself in the foot." Critics argue that Japan, with its increasing population shortage, will not have the labor pool sufficient enough to be able to overcome their current economic crisis without the aid of foreign labor, as such immigrants are typically relegated to blue-collar, industrial positions.

Many countries have adapted specific policies to overcome their economic problems, and Japan is not the only country to institute a plan such as this. However, this program seems to serve as a dangerous example of how lack of appropriate foresight can result in a further exacerbated crisis down the road.