Malaysia eyes deal to send blue-collar workers to Japan under new visa scheme

Japan on April 1 implemented the visa system to bring in more foreign workers to the country

If the agreement is signed, Malaysia would be the 10th country to provide workers to Japan, joining other source nations such as the Philippines, Cambodia and Myanmar

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Filipino workers at a car parts factory in Hiroshima prefecture, Japan. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:56pm, 11 May 2019Updated: 10:03pm, 11 May 2019

Malaysia is in talks with Japan on sending blue-collar workers to the country under a new visa programme that was launched on April, according to official sources.

The two countries are aiming to strike a deal as early as July this year, when Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran will visit Tokyo for the signing of a memorandum of cooperation.

The memorandum is intended to provide a basic framework for information sharing for the recruitment of blue-collar workers in specified sectors to work in Japan, which is in need of more foreign workers due to a rapidly ageing population and low birth rate.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is expected to visit Japan later this month to discuss the details.

Japan on April 1 implemented the visa system to bring in more foreign workers to the country, marking a major policy shift from its traditionally strict immigration rules.

Foreigners with certain Japanese language and job skills can now apply for a resident status called Specified Skilled Worker No 1, which grants working rights in 14 sectors, such as construction, farming and nursing care, for up to a total of five years.

Proficient labourers in two sectors – construction and shipbuilding – can further extend their stay by earning the Specified Skilled Worker No 2 status. It allows holders to bring in family members and has no limit on the number of times they can renew their visa.

An Indonesian worker moving copper tubes at a factory in Gunma prefecture. Photo: AFP