Why do technical intern trainees disappear?
One of the systems for accepting foreign workers in Japan is the Technical Intern Training Program. This program was established with the aim of having people from developing countries learn skills and knowledge in Japan and utilize those skills in their own countries. However, in recent years, various problems with this program have come to light, and the phenomenon of “disappearance” in particular has become more serious(2024/12/12 Kobe Shimbun). There are many factors behind why technical intern trainees disappear. In this article, we will go into detail about the reasons why technical intern trainees disappear and consider solutions.
1.Background of Technical Intern Trainees and the Purpose of the System
The Technical Intern Training Program was established in 1993 with the aim of foreign workers learning skills in Japan and then returning to their home countries to utilize the skills they learned. However, in reality, it is often used by Japanese companies as a way to make up for labor shortages, and working conditions can be harsh. Interns can work in harsh conditions with low wages, and their dissatisfaction often manifests itself in the form of disappearance.
2.Disappearances and Statistics
The number of missing technical intern trainees is increasing year by year. For example, as of 2019, about 7,000 missing trainees were reported. There is not just one reason for the disappearances, but problems with working conditions and living environment, as well as deficiencies in the system itself, are the factors that influence them. Many missing trainees are dissatisfied with their working environment and treatment, and ultimately try to solve their own problems by disappearing. Insufficient management by the supervising organizations and accepting companies that manage missing trainees is also a factor that contributes to the disappearances.
3.Cause of Disappearance
There are several reasons why technical intern trainees disappear, but the main causes include the following factors:
(1) Harsh working conditions and low wages
One of the biggest problems technical intern trainees face is the harsh working conditions. Especially in the agricultural, manufacturing, and construction industries, long working hours, lack of rest time, and no days off are often given, which causes great physical and mental strain. In addition, wages are not paid according to the contract, and trainees are sometimes forced to work for wages below the minimum wage. There are an increasing number of cases of trainees disappearing due to dissatisfaction with such working conditions.
(2) Differences in living conditions and treatment
When coming to Japan, trainees often have certain expectations regarding their living and working conditions, but in reality, there are often big gaps in their living conditions. Poor accommodation, inadequate food and living expenses can lead to mental stress. Trainees may also not be able to take time off or have limited free time, which can lead to them disappearing.
(3) Lack of legal rights and inadequate management systems
Trainees often have limited Japanese language skills and do not fully understand the law or their rights. Due to a lack of information and support regarding life in Japan, trainees have limited means to protect their rights. In addition, supervising organizations and host companies may not provide adequate support to trainees, which can increase trainee dissatisfaction and ultimately lead to trainees disappearing.
(4) Economic Motivations
Many of the trainees come to Japan to send money home to their families and improve their lives in their home countries. However, they find life in Japan much tougher than they expected, and if their wages go unpaid or they run out of money to cover living expenses, they find themselves in financial difficulty. If this situation continues, trainees may choose to work illegally and may eventually disappear.
(5) A hotbed of illegal employment and crime
Many of the missing trainees choose to work illegally. They may take illegal measures to stay in Japan, which can result in them becoming involved in criminal activities. By disappearing and working illegally, not only do they increase the risk of getting into legal trouble, but they may also become involved in criminal networks.
4.Measures to prevent disappearances
In order to solve the problem of missing technical intern trainees, several measures are needed. First, the working environment needs to be improved so that trainees do not suffer from harsh working conditions. Specifically, it is necessary to pay appropriate wages, manage working hours, and guarantee rest periods and holidays.
It is also important to strengthen legal support so that trainees understand their rights and can respond appropriately if they encounter problems. It is necessary to provide trainees with Japanese language and legal education and to establish a system where they can receive the necessary support.
Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen the management systems of supervising organizations and accepting companies and to create an environment in which trainees can work with peace of mind. Companies have a responsibility to properly manage the living and working environments of trainees and to be able to respond quickly if any problems arise.
5.Conclusion
There are many factors behind the disappearance of technical intern trainees, including harsh working conditions, differences in living conditions, lack of legal support, and economic hardship. To solve these problems, it is necessary to improve working conditions, strengthen legal support, and strengthen the responsibility of companies. Solving the disappearance problem is important for realizing the sound operation of the technical intern training program, and it is necessary to provide an environment where trainees can work and learn with peace of mind.