TOKYO: Japan is loosening regulations on part-time work for foreigners. The workers who are stuck in the country due to the novel coronavirus and having trouble supporting themselves will get the relief of a part-time job, the government said on Tuesday.
The measures which take effect from Tuesday are liberalization of labor curbs on foreigners in a developing economy suffering from huge shortages of workers. A number of foreigners either students or on other visa statuses are stuck in Japan for longer than expected due to the coronavirus as a strict quarantine rule in their home nations or a lack of plane flights, leaving some without financial support. The new rules will allow people with 90-day short-stay permits to renew their permits and receive permission to work up to 28 hours a week. While technical trainees will be able to change their visas to a "specified activity" work permit for six months, the Justice Ministry said on its website.
People on student visas will be able to work for up to 28 hours a week even if they are no longer students.
A lawyer with expertise in foreign labor issues, Koichi Kodama said, "It's better than nothing, but these people will not be eligible for either health insurance or welfare support. If they can find jobs that's one thing, but it's really insufficient for those who can't. If they wanted to do it right, they should grant them permanent resident status."
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