Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture initiated a program encouraging people to report businesses employing illegal foreign workers. Those providing accurate information will be rewarded with 10,000 yen if it leads to enforcement action. This move comes as the prefecture reported the highest number of undocumented foreign workers in the country for four consecutive years.
The local government stressed the importance of foreign workers due to labor shortages and believes cracking down on businesses hiring illegal workers will help prevent human rights violations. While the program was announced in February, concerns have been raised by civic groups and bar associations about potential discrimination and social division.
Reports under this program will target businesses involved in hiring, brokering, or suspected of facilitating illegal employment. However, reports based on malicious intent or targeting individuals by appearance or nationality will not be accepted. Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa emphasized the responsibility of the local government in addressing illegal activities, clarifying that this initiative is not aimed at excluding foreigners.
A protest against the program took place outside the prefectural government office, with a civic group calling for its withdrawal. To file reports, individuals need to provide personal details like name, address, and phone number through the prefectural website, along with identification proof such as a driver’s license. The governor defended the program, stating that correcting illegal actions is a fundamental duty of the local government.
