As the new temporary scheme for giving work permit to foreign construction workers started this month, Japanese construction industry is preparing the environment to welcome workers. One of the ten groups, which have been acknowledged by the Infrastructure Ministry to supervise hosting companies, Zentekken, the industry group of specialty contractors intends to accept 18 Chinese workers who once worked as registered technical trainees at Japanese construction site.

The new scheme will be effective temporarily until 2020 and is considered as an emergency measure to tackle labor shortage in Japan. Workers who completed three year training in Japan will be given resident status for two or three years. The ministry, which is in charge of the scheme expects more than 2,500 companies will accept the workers.

The number of designated supervising bodies approved by the ministry reached 10 in April across the nation. Zentekkin, having a track record of receiving 1,165 trainees, will apply for the re-entry permit four times a year. The first group of Chinese workers will arrive in Japan in July.

President of Zentekkin visited China in March and interviewed the applicants who wish to work in Japan. The group will request hosting companies to pay standard monthly wage of 230,000 yen, considerably higher level to avoid troubles between companies and workers. (2015/04/15)