Disadvantages and Risks in Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program (Continuation)

Disadvantages and Risks in Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program (Continuation)
Part I: Deceptive Recruitment

Most of the Filipino trainees were not provided complete and accurate information regarding the jobs into which they would be placed in Japan. Trainees reported that descriptions of working conditions provided by Philippine recruiters and Japanese employers often contrasted sharply with their actual experiences on the job. Trainees reported having been deceived or not provided with important information about a range of aspects of their employment in Japan, including the tasks to be performed, hours of work, and level of remuneration. Interview subjects reported that hours were longer than expected. Philippine agency falsely told some interviewees that their working hours and holidays would compare favorably to the jobs they were leaving behind.

Deception around working hours also had implications for wage expectations. Some trainees were not told how many hours they would be required to work in order to earn the promised amount of compensation. All but one of the 27 Filipino trainees reported that they earned less in the TITP than the amount they had been promised when they were hired. None received information on possible wage deductions. On average, Philippine Agencies told trainees they would earn ¥1.4million (720,000 pesos)2,160,000 pesos over three years. In reality, trainees interviewed rarely earned this amount.

Some trainees reported that their Agency in the Philippines forced them to sign blank contracts. Others reported being forced to sign contracts without being able to read them. Some trainees reported that they first saw – and were asked to sign – their contracts at the airport immediately prior to departure for Japan. Some trainees had access to copies of their contracts. Some trainees did not receive a copy of their contract after signing it, including both contracts signed before departing for Japan and contracts signed in Japan to renew participation in the TITP on a yearly basis.

On our next blog, we will talk about the debt problem of most TITP’S!