Ibaraki Prefecture Launches Reward Program for Reporting Illegal Foreign Workers
Axios (Tổng hợp từ english.kyodonews.net)
Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, has launched a controversial program offering rewards to residents who report businesses employing foreign workers illegally. The program aims to stop labor violations and protect legal workers, but critics warn it could foster discrimination and invade privacy. Authorities promise financial rewards and identity protection for tipsters.
On May 2, the Ibaraki Prefectural government in Japan officially launched a reward program for residents who provide information about businesses employing foreign workers illegally.
According to the announcement, the program aims to curb labor law violations and protect the rights of legal foreign workers. However, the initiative has sparked debate, with some civil society organizations expressing concerns that it may lead to discrimination or privacy violations against the foreign community.
Ibaraki authorities said residents can submit information via a hotline or official website and will receive a financial reward if the information is verified and leads to enforcement action. The prefecture has not disclosed the exact reward amount but confirmed there will be mechanisms to protect whistleblower identities.
The move comes amid severe labor shortages in Japan, while authorities seek to tightly control the inflow of foreign workers to prevent legal violations.
