Some technical intern trainees in Japan may become dissatisfied with their current job because the work is demanding, the income is lower than expected, or someone offers them another job with “higher pay”.
In some cases, a trainee may leave their placement without informing the relevant organisation and start working somewhere else.
This can be extremely risky. Once a trainee leaves their placement and starts working outside the permitted conditions, they may put themselves in a much more difficult situation.
WHAT RISKS CAN TRAINEES FACE?
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They may be considered to be working illegally
The Technical Intern Training status of residence allows foreign nationals to carry out training activities under an approved training programme and plan.
Leaving the approved placement and working for another company without following the required procedures may constitute work outside the scope of the permitted activities.
Japan's immigration authorities classify working outside the scope of one's status of residence without the necessary permission as an illegal activity.
Therefore, trainees should not assume:
“I’m only going to do it for a few months, so it won’t matter.”
If the situation is discovered, the trainee may have to explain the circumstances and deal with issues concerning their status of residence.
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Their status of residence may be affected
This is one of the most serious risks.
If a trainee leaves their placement without permission and stops carrying out the activities covered by their Technical Intern Training status of residence, this may affect how their status of residence is managed and assessed.
Under Japanese immigration rules, in certain circumstances, failing to carry out the activities covered by a status of residence and instead engaging in, or intending to engage in, other activities may become grounds for considering the revocation of that status.
This can seriously affect a trainee's plans to remain in Japan.
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Future immigration procedures may become more difficult
Leaving a placement, failing to carry out the activities permitted under the status of residence, and working illegally are not issues limited to the current job.
Japanese immigration authorities indicate that absconding from a technical intern placement and failing to carry out the activities covered by the status of residence may be considered unfavourably in certain future immigration procedures, except where there is a legitimate reason.
Therefore, a decision made simply to “earn more money” could affect the trainee's longer-term plans.
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Trainees may be in a vulnerable position if an accident or dispute occurs
This is a risk that many people only realise after something goes wrong.
If a trainee works somewhere outside the permitted arrangements, they may face greater difficulties if they have an accident, have a dispute over wages or need to seek support from the authorities.
The Embassy of Japan in Vietnam has also warned about the risks faced by trainees who abscond and work illegally. If they are investigated by the police or immigration authorities, they may be placed in a difficult situation. Problems may also arise concerning insurance coverage if they become ill or are injured.
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They may be exploited by brokers or other individuals
Offers such as:
“The work is easier.”
“The pay is much higher.”
“You don't need any paperwork.”
“Just work there. Nobody will find out.”
can be very tempting for someone who is unhappy with their current job.
However, after leaving their placement, a trainee may become dependent on the person who introduced the new job for accommodation, employment or payment.
If a dispute occurs, the person who persuaded them to leave may not take responsibility.
This is another reason why Japanese authorities warn technical intern trainees not to be persuaded to abscond and work illegally.
WHAT SHOULD FAMILIES DO IF THEIR CHILD HAS ALREADY LEFT THE PLACEMENT?
The first thing parents should do is avoid telling their child to continue hiding or move somewhere else.
Parents should first find out:
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Where is your child now?
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What kind of work are they doing?
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Who introduced the job?
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Who are they staying with?
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When did they leave their original placement?
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Do they have any documents, contracts or messages relating to the new job?
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Are they being denied wages, threatened, having their documents withheld or facing any other danger?
After that, encourage your child to contact their supervising organisation, support organisation or the relevant authorities, explain the situation honestly and seek guidance on how to resolve it.
In particular, if your child left because of violence, threats, exploitation, unpaid wages or another serious problem at the original placement, absconding should not be treated as the only solution.
Under the current system, in certain cases where there is a legitimate reason, technical intern trainees may be able to receive support to change their placement. The procedures for changing placements were improved from 1 November 2024.
Therefore, if there is a genuine problem with the current placement, the appropriate approach is to report it to the right organisation and follow the proper procedures, rather than leaving without permission.
ONE THING PARENTS SHOULD REMEMBER
Parents may be extremely angry if their child has made a serious mistake. However, at this point, the priority is not simply to scold the child. It is to help them stop the improper activity, stay safe and find a lawful way to resolve the situation.
Do not give money to strangers who promise to “fix the paperwork”.
Do not tell your child to continue hiding or move to another workplace.
Do not assume that “working illegally for a while” will simply resolve itself.
If your child is genuinely experiencing problems at their placement, seek help through the proper channels. Japan has consultation services for technical intern trainees, including support in Vietnamese.
A job can be changed, but a decision made without understanding the law can have serious consequences for your child's work and life in Japan.
CONTACT INFORMATION
SONGDA TOHOKU JOINT STOCK COMPANY
L02-L01, Area A, Duong Noi Urban Area, Duong Noi Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline: 0989 044 852
Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com
Website: https://tohoku.vn