IBARAKI, Mar 10, 2026 (News On Japan) - Concerns are growing over a new system being considered by Ibaraki Prefecture that would offer rewards to people who report information leading to the arrest of foreign nationals working illegally, with critics warning the measure could deepen social divisions and encourage discrimination.
The proposed system would invite members of the public to provide information about suspected illegal employment of foreign nationals. If the information leads to arrests or other enforcement action, the informant would receive a reward of around 10,000 yen. The prefectural government says it is aiming to introduce the system in the next fiscal year.
Foreign workers play a key role in supporting Ibaraki’s agricultural industry, often referred to as a major supplier of food for the Tokyo metropolitan area. A Vietnamese man who came to Japan six years ago and now works in agriculture said that although he initially struggled with language barriers and cultural differences, support from colleagues helped him adjust and build a stable life. However, the proposed reporting system has left him feeling uneasy.
According to the Immigration Services Agency, more than 14,000 foreign nationals were identified nationwide as working illegally last year. Of those, 3,452 were working in Ibaraki, the highest number of any prefecture for the third consecutive year.
Japanese farmers who work alongside foreign laborers expressed mixed feelings. While some support stricter enforcement against illegal employment, others worry that the system could lead to suspicion and distrust. One farmer said that once people begin to suspect others, they tend to focus only on negative possibilities.
Public opinion within the prefecture is also divided. Some residents support the measure, arguing that foreign workers should follow proper procedures before working in Japan. Others believe offering rewards for reports goes too far and could encourage prejudice. One resident whose mother is from the Philippines said he worries that bias against foreigners could affect family members who work legally.
During a regular press conference last month, Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa was asked whether the system might cause legitimate foreign workers to face unwarranted suspicion. Oigawa responded that the program would be designed carefully to avoid creating anxiety among foreign nationals who are working properly.
The prefecture says reports will be limited to information about businesses rather than specific individuals, and anonymous tips will not be accepted.
However, some experts warn that the very act of encouraging people to report suspected illegal workers could foster social division. Because it is difficult to identify a person’s employment status simply by appearance, reports may end up being based on prejudice or assumptions.
Critics also question whether offering rewards effectively encourages people to report others. They argue that policymakers should reconsider whether such a system would actually reduce illegal employment.
Some specialists point out that in other countries reporting systems do exist, but financial rewards are often not offered. The absence of rewards is intended to prevent misuse, discrimination, or excessive reporting.
Others argue that stronger enforcement should focus primarily on employers. According to a survey released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2025, labor law violations were found at 76 percent of workplaces employing foreign workers under the “specified skilled worker” program.
Experts say illegal employment often occurs because companies face severe labor shortages and continue hiring despite compliance issues. The number of business failures related to labor shortages rose 36 percent last year compared with the previous year, reaching 397 cases, the highest level since such surveys began in 2013.
Foreign workers are expected to continue increasing in Japan. Researchers warn that when the number of foreign workers rises rapidly within a short period, communities may experience social tension if integration policies fail to keep pace.
At the same time, analysts note that Japan’s original immigration strategy focused on attracting highly skilled workers, yet discussion of policies to bring in and retain such talent has received comparatively little attention. Experts argue that Japan should also work to improve systems that make it easier for highly skilled professionals and researchers to work and settle in the country.
Source: TBS
