Explanation of Laws

Technical Intern Training

Workers are protected by labor laws.

Everyone who works for a company is protected by the law.

This website contains simple explanations. If you feel like there is something strange or problematic with the way you are working, please continue reading.

Illegal Companies

There are many illegal companies in Japan too. Sometimes the supervisory bodies that are supposed to guide companies do not give sufficient guidance, or may engage in illegal activities together with the company. If you are working for an illegal company, you should consult a lawyer immediately.

Common examples of what illegal companies do:

• Force workers to save money
• Deduct unreasonably high dormitory and food expenses from wages
• Force workers to pay fines
• Pay less than minimum wage
• Do not pay for overtime work
• Terminate technical training programs for no reason
• Take away workers' passports
• Do not allow workers to use cell phones or computers
• Do not allow workers to go out freely
• Use violence

Consult with us!

Everyone has rights. You do not have to put up with illegal labor practices. There are public consultation offices such as the Organization for Technical Intern Training (OTIT) and the Labor Standards Inspection Office. If you are in the Kinki or Tokai regions, our organization, the Migrant Worker Research Group, may be able to help you.

Also, try to collect evidence. You can keep a diary of what happens at your company, keep notes of working hours, and take photos of documents posted at your company. Evidence collected in various ways will become important items to protect yourself.