Unreported Foreign Employment Reaches 140,000 Cases in 5 Years
Recent data shows a sharp rise in suspected cases of Japanese employers failing to properly report their foreign employees to the government. According to an investigation by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of suspected failures to report foreign employment status reached a total of 140,891 cases over the past five fiscal years (2021–2025).
Notably, the annual number of suspected unreported cases has surged approximately 7.5-fold over the last five years, highlighting a serious issue with inadequate employment management by some employers. This is a critical trend that international students looking for part-time jobs, Working Holiday participants, and foreign professionals currently working in Japan must pay attention to.
Legal Obligations and Penalties for Employers
Under Japanese labor law, all employers who hire foreign workers are legally obligated to report the employee's name, status of residence (visa type), and period of stay to the local Hello Work (Public Employment Security Office) upon hiring and termination. This system, known as the 'Notification of the Employment Status of Foreigners,' is designed to support the lawful employment of foreign nationals and improve employment management.
If an employer fails to submit this notification or files a false report, they can be fined up to 300,000 yen under the Act on Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Measures. Despite this, the rapid increase in unreported cases highlights a lack of compliance and negligent management among certain businesses.
Risks of Unreported Status for Foreign Workers
Leaving employment unreported to the government is more than just a missed administrative step. Experts warn that this unreported status is highly likely to lead to the unfair treatment of foreign workers.
In fact, workplaces where proper reporting is neglected are prone to the following serious issues:
- Violations of Labor Conditions: Workers are susceptible to disadvantages such as unpaid overtime or unpaid wages.
- Coercion into Activities Outside the Scope of Visa: Workers may be forced to perform duties or work in industries not permitted by their current status of residence (visa).
- Hotbed for Illegal Employment: As the unlawful employment status persists, workers may unintentionally find themselves in a state of illegal employment and lose the protection of labor laws.
Government Crackdown and Countermeasures
As the situation has worsened, the Japanese government has taken action. On May 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revised its employment management guidelines for employers. The revised guidelines re-emphasize that proper employment management to prevent illegal employment is a strict responsibility of employers.
Additionally, the government encourages employers to actively use the 'Residence Card Validity Verification Application' distributed by the government to detect forged residence cards during the hiring process. This reflects the government's strong determination to prevent illegal employment, whether caused intentionally or by mistake.
How Foreign Residents Can Protect Themselves
Foreign workers living in Japan need to pay attention to whether their employers are correctly following legal procedures. When starting a job, it is advisable to check if the employer carefully verifies the information on your residence card (status of residence, period of stay, etc.) and proceeds with the notification process to Hello Work.
Working in a properly reported job ensures that you will not face disadvantages when renewing or changing your visa in the future, and that you will receive full legal protection in the event of unpaid wages or unfair treatment. Be cautious of workplaces that avoid document verification or seem reluctant to report your employment during the hiring process.
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Source: 東京新聞