As of January 2020, there were approximately 1.66 million migrant workers (reported by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as of October 2019), including an estimated 380,000 technical intern trainees, and the number of offices that employ migrant workers is reported to be around 240,000. Migrant workers are important members of Japan’s economy and society. By providing migrant workers with decent works, we can move towards a multicultural society. However, with the growing international awareness of the concept of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and “Business and Human Rights”, Japan has been criticized for problems related to forced labor, discrimination, and harassment against foreign residents working in Japan. This may affect businesses, employers, and host organizations in terms of securing the number of migrant workers, ESG investments, and branding.
By 2030 (the target year of SDGs), we collaborate with companies and organizations that support and comply with our “Code of Conduct” and accept migrant workers constantly and responsibly, meeting legal compliance requirements to improve their working and living conditions. Through this process, we aim to create a diverse and sustainable society, making Japan a country of choice, a trusted destination for migrant workers around the world.
We raise awareness through discussions, surveys, various seminars, and forums on the following themes:
(1) Providing accurate information to migrant workers
(2) Understanding the problems faced by migrant workers
(3) Collaborating with government agencies to resolve issues
(4) Conducting public relations/ awareness campaigns and making policy proposals
(5) Sharing case studies of successful efforts to secure migrant workers
Our operating structure is based on the cooperation of the private sector (corporations, industry groups, economic groups, etc.) and the public sector (related ministries, related organizations, international organizations, etc.).
We carry out activities under the consultation of advisory groups (corporations, civil society, labor unions, lawyers, etc.).
Protecting the rights of migrant workers and improving their working and living conditions are global issues in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
As migrant workers play an essential role in Japan’s economy and society, it is crucial to address these issues, accept migrant workers responsibly, and make Japan a country of choice for workers around the world.
We aim to promote inclusive economic growth and a sustainable society by supporting decent work for migrant workers to live safely and healthily.
As members of this platform, we are committed to cooperate with all stakeholders, including ministries, local governments, related organizations, civil societies, academics, and international organizations to achieve the “Society We Aim For.” Our commitments are as follows:
Besides we will strive to implement these commitments within our own organization, we will also actively encourage our supply chain and related businesses and organizations to do the same.
By working with various active stakeholders who have agreed to our “Code of Conduct,” including private companies, government-affiliated organizations, municipalities, lawyers, and research institutes, we will conduct the following activities:
By joining this platform, you will gain access to the following benefits:
This platform is for private companies, organizations, and local governments to showcase their excellent efforts and enhance their reputation.