Japan: Magnetic for Vietnamese laborers

The Japanese labor market is highly attractive to Vietnamese workers, especially those from Quang Tri Province. Beyond offering stable wages, a variety of job opportunities, and a favorable work environment, Vietnamese workers who return home after completing their contracts in Japan can advance their careers, having acquired strong skills and discipline.

Quang Tri’s workers visit famous attractions after work in Japan. Photo courtesy of workers.

Half of the 89,874 Vietnamese workers who went abroad in the first seven months of 2024 chose Japan, highlighting the market’s attraction to Vietnamese workers.

According to Quang Tri’s Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, in 2023, as many as 1,500 of the 2,823 local workers who went abroad chose Japan. In the first half of 2024, more than 580 workers from Quang Tri went to this market.

Despite local job availability, P.C.Q., born in 1999 in Ba Long commune, Dakrong District, Quang Tri, was determined to work overseas. He shared via Facebook that he went to Japan as an intern to gain experience in the food industry, a field he loves.

At first, Q. struggled to adapt. Thanks to the company’s comfortable and private accommodation, he quickly adjusted to his job and he feels confident at work after two years. He said choosing Japan was the right decision as he gained valuable experience for his career.

To boost his income, Q. works overtime. He plans to extend his three-year contract by two more years, and after returning to Vietnam, he intends to open a food business. He shared that all eight other people from Quang Tri traveled with him to Japan to work for the same company, giving them a sense of community.

Japan remains a top destination for Quang Tri residents seeking work abroad. L.D.D., born in 1986 in Hai Ba Commune, Hai Lang District, has two of his four siblings working abroad, including one in Japan and the other in South Korea.

D said Japan has a high demand for labor across many industries, including food and beverage production, construction, machinery manufacturing, electronics, automotive maintenance, shipbuilding, agriculture, fisheries, and caregiving.

He has worked in agriculture for nearly three years, earning a steady income and regularly sending money home to support his family and prepare a better future for their kids.

D shared that he bears hardship to prepare for his children’s future. “We’re enduring some hardship now so we can create better opportunities and ensure our children get a proper education. That’s our biggest goal,” D. said.

According to the Department of Overseas Labor, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, the number of Vietnamese workers going to Japan has surged over the last five years, making up 50% of all workers sent abroad annually. In 2023, Vietnam overtook China as Japan’s largest foreign labor group, with over 518,000 workers.

Several factors contribute to this rise, including labor cooperation policies between Vietnam and Japan, safe working conditions, stable wages, and the opportunity to learn modern techniques and technology.

Japan is becoming more dependent on foreign labor to address its workforce shortage. A recent study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) predicts the country will need about 970,000 foreign workers by 2040.

Japan is also in stiff competition with South Korea and Taiwan to attract international workers, as these countries also seek to bolster their dwindling labor forces. In response, Japan has implemented more open policies, including new laws passed in June to facilitate the recruitment of foreign labor.

Vietnamese workers are known for their high level of discipline, making them highly sought after by Japanese companies.

In addition, Vietnam and Japan are currently working on the “Job Information Connection Support Project,” which helps Vietnamese workers find appropriate jobs abroad and provides them with access to domestic employment opportunities upon their return. The project also helps service companies better connect with workers seeking employment.

Hong Phuc – Linh Pham