From May 11, 2026, Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture officially implemented a reward program for tips on illegal foreign workers. According to the prefectural government, citizens can provide information via a hotline or online, and will receive a monetary reward if the information leads to the detection or handling of violations.
The program aims to strengthen controls over foreign workers, particularly those working overtime, without permits, or overstaying their visas. Ibaraki Prefecture, home to many industrial zones and factories, is facing an increase in illegal labor, affecting the labor market and public safety.
Rewards are expected to range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand yen, depending on the severity of the case. The prefectural government also pledges to protect the confidentiality of informants to encourage community participation. This is one of the latest measures in Japan's efforts to manage foreign labor, as the number of foreign workers in the country surpassed 2 million in 2025.
