Number of foreign nationals working in Japan reach 1.46 million. A record high since the notification made mandatory

According to a survey released on January 25 by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, foreign nationals working in Japan by the end of October 2018 were 1,460,463, with a year-on-year increase of 14.2% with 181,793 people. The record high was updated after making the notification mandatory.

The number of establishments employing foreign labor was 216,348, with a year-on-year increase of 11.2% accounting to an increase of 21,753 establishments respectively marking the record high of number of establishments. Region-wise, highest number of people were in Tokyo with 438,775, followed by Aichi with 151,669 and Osaka with 90,072. The prefectures with highest rate of increase as compared to previous year were Kumamoto with 10,155 people and 31.2% increase, Osaka with 24.7% increase and Kagoshima with 6,862 people showing 23.8% increase.

In terms of nationality, China was on top with 389,117 people accounting for 26.6% of the total foreign nationals. Next was Vietnam with 316,840 people (21.7％), followed by Philippine with 164,006 people (same on 11.2%). These 3 countries account for 60% of the total foreign nationals. The growth rate of Vietnam (31.9%), Indonesia (21.7%), and Nepal (18.0%) was higher as compared to previous year’s growth rate.

According to the Status of residence, the workforce with “Status of residence as Specialized and technical skills sector” are 276,770 people with rise of 38,358 people as compared to previous year showing a 16.1% increase. Besides, the workforce with “status of residence classified as Family permit” such as permanent resident or spouse of Japanese nationals accounted for 495,668 people showing an increase of 8.0% and 36,536 people as compared to previous year.

From April this year, the new qualifications for Status of residence would be implemented and the number of foreign nationals working in Japan would grow at an accelerating pace.

［Reference］ Summary of notification status of “Employment of foreigners” (As of October 2018)