Japan Cracks Down on Foreign Students Working Illegally

Japan is tightening rules for foreign students who work without permission. The government plans to punish schools that do not properly monitor their students' employment. Currently, foreign students in Japan can work up to 28 hours per week if they get official permission. However, many work more hours or in jobs not allowed by their visas. This is called "unauthorized work." The new measures will hold language schools and universities responsible. If a school has many students working illegally, the government may stop that school from accepting new foreign students. Officials will also make stricter checks on student visa applications. The government says the goal is to protect the student visa system. They state that the system is for study, not for full-time work. The crackdown aims to ensure students focus on their education. This move comes as Japan tries to attract more foreign workers to address labor shortages. The government is creating separate, official work visa programs for different industries. The student visa is not meant to be a substitute for these work programs.