Red flags have been raised over the working environment of foreign workers in Japan. According to the latest survey released by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, more than 7 out of 10 workplaces employing foreign nationals were found to be in violation of labor standards-related laws and regulations.
Foreign residents who are preparing for employment in Japan or currently working under statuses such as Specified Skilled Worker or Technical Intern Training should pay close attention to these survey results to prevent potential disadvantages during their stay.
Labor Violations Found at 73.2% of Workplaces Employing Technical Interns
On September 15, 2026, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released the results of on-site inspections (investigations) and prosecutions (referrals to prosecutors) conducted by labor standards inspectors during the year 2025 (Reiwa 7) at workplaces employing foreign technical intern trainees or specified skilled workers.
Out of 13,148 inspected workplaces where foreign technical intern trainees work, violations of relevant laws, including the Labor Standards Act, were confirmed at a staggering 73.2% (9,619 workplaces).
The main violations detected at workplaces employing technical interns (including overlapping items) are as follows:
- Failure to meet safety standards for machinery used: 22.8%
- Failure to hear doctors' opinions on health checkup results: 15.7%
- Non-payment of premium wages (night, holiday, and overtime pay): 15.6%
There were also 26 cases referred to prosecutors (prosecuted) because the violations were classified as extremely severe or malicious.
Even Higher Violation Rate of 76.5% at Workplaces Employing Specified Skilled Workers
The situation was found to be even more serious at workplaces employing foreign workers under the "Specified Skilled Worker" status, a relatively new residence status. Out of 8,082 inspected workplaces, violations were detected at 76.5% (6,179 workplaces).
The main violations related to specified skilled workers showed a similar pattern to those of technical interns.
- Failure to meet safety standards for machinery used: 20.7%
- Failure to hear doctors' opinions on health checkup results: 16.7%
- Non-payment of premium wages (night, holiday, and overtime pay): 16.3%
Among these, a total of 9 cases were referred to prosecutors for serious and malicious violations.
Overwhelmingly High Violation Rates in Construction and Food Services
Looking at the data by industry, the rate of legal violations was conspicuously high in specific sectors. Among workplaces employing specified skilled workers, the industries with particularly high violation rates were as follows:
- Construction: 81.4%
- Food Services (Restaurants): 80.6%
These two industries are representative sectors with high labor intensity and demanding on-site safety management, suggesting that employers' awareness of legal compliance remains insufficient.
Direct Reports by Foreign Workers Mostly Related to "Unpaid Wages"
In this survey, there were also 150 cases where specified skilled foreign workers personally visited labor standards inspection offices to report unfair treatment.
Notably, the vast majority of these—131 cases—were related to the non-payment of wages and premium wages (overtime and holiday pay). This shows that the most common and direct grievance experienced by foreign workers in Japan is directly linked to money.
Foreign residents living and working in Japan need to carefully compare their working hours with their pay stubs. If you have not received the proper allowances or are forced to work in an unsafe environment, it is highly recommended that you do not hesitate to seek consultation from professional institutions, such as the competent Labor Standards Inspection Office.
Tools: Internet Finder
Source: 厚生労働省