According to a recent report from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan may face a significant shortage of foreign workers by 2040, potentially falling short by almost one million. The report highlights the need for 6.82 million foreign workers to sustain the country's targeted annual economic growth rate of 1.24%, while current trends project only 5.91 million foreign workers.
Updated Estimates and Economic Impact
The demand-supply gap for foreign labor has more than doubled since JICA's previous estimate in 2022. This increase is attributed to slower-than-expected economic growth in countries that typically supply migrant workers to Japan, such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Foreign workers are crucial to Japan's economy, helping to address the severe labor shortage caused by a rapidly aging population and declining birthrate.
Current Foreign Workforce and Government Measures
As of October last year, Japan had 2.05 million foreign workers, constituting about 3% of its total workforce. The Japanese government has been expanding work visa permits across various blue-collar sectors and skilled jobs, reflecting an easing of public opinion on accepting immigrant labor.
Despite these efforts, Japan faces several challenges, including a weakening yen, traditionally low wages, and human rights issues, which could hinder its ability to attract and retain foreign talent. Experts suggest that Japan must enhance its policies to stay competitive in the global talent market.
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Expansion of Long-Term Work Visas
In a related development, Japan is considering broadening the scope of long-term work visas. According to the Nikkei newspaper, the government plans to expand the number of sectors eligible for these visas from three to twelve, potentially including the food service industry. This change could allow workers to stay for extended periods and bring their families, starting as early as June.
Broader Context and Recent Developments
Japan's largest union recently secured the biggest wage hikes in three decades, driven by labor shortages and inflation. Workers' monthly pay is set to rise by 5.10% on average this fiscal year, according to a survey by the union group Rengo. The wage increase is crucial for Japan's economic recovery, potentially aiding the Bank of Japan's efforts to normalize monetary policy.
However, a gap remains between large firms, which raised wages by 5.19%, and smaller firms, which managed a 4.45% increase. About 70% of Japanese workers are employed by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the need for broader wage growth across all sectors.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's administration aims to address the wage gap by raising the minimum hourly wage to 1,500 yen ($9.27) from the current average of around 1,000 yen by the mid-2030s. This initiative is part of a broader effort to stabilize prices and the currency, thus improving living standards for more households.
The projected shortage of foreign workers poses a significant challenge for Japan as it strives to meet its economic growth goals. The government's ongoing efforts to expand visa programs and improve wage conditions are steps in the right direction. However, ensuring competitive and attractive working conditions will be crucial to successfully address the impending labor shortage and sustain economic growth.