Laos, Japan tighten up rules around employment of skilled workers

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a basic framework for proper operation of the system concerning employees with the residence status of “Specified Skilled Worker” was signed in Vientiane last week.

Mr Phongxaysack Intharath (right) exchanges labour agreements with Mr Jun Tsushima.

The agreement was signed between Japan’s State Minister of Justice, Mr Jun Tsushima, and Laos’ Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Phongxaysack Intharath.
The event was witnessed by Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mrs Baykham Khattiya.
The purpose of the MOU is to establish a basic framework to ensure the smooth and proper sending and accepting of specified skilled workers, in particular eliminating ill-intentioned intermediary organisations, and to resolve problems around the employment of skilled workers in Japan, according to a press release from the Embassy of Japan to Laos.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Mr Phongxaysack said Laos and Japan have had a good working relationship for many years. Since 2003, many Lao nationals have gone to Japan to attend Technical Intern Training Programmes.
These trainees have gained useful skills and experience and have been able to contribute to Laos’ development upon their return from Japan.
They are also able to have a better standard of living, thanks to the qualifications they have acquired in Japan
Cooperation between Laos and Japan on the employment of skilled Lao workers will continue under this Memorandum of Understanding, Mr Phongxaysack said.
The agreement will enable Lao workers with a certain level of skill to develop their knowledge and skills through working in Japan, he added.
The MOU was drawn up to establish a basic framework for the exchange of information in relation to the sending of workers to Japan for skills training, and to solve the problem of people working illegally.
It is envisaged that this partnership will benefit both Laos and Japan through a more effective system of cooperation.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update August 1, 2022)