Migration from Mekong Countries of Origin to Japan
Overview
Since its launch in 2003, MMN focuses primarily on intra-Mekong labour migration. However, since 2016, in response to changes in migration patterns, MMN has also begun working on issues surrounding migration from the Mekong to countries outside the sub-region, notably to Japan. Many industries in Japan are facing acute labour shortages, and many employers recognize that migrant workers are critical to the sustainability of their businesses. Approximately the half of the technical intern trainees in Japan are from Vietnam, and the number of migrant workers from Cambodia and Myanmar are growing.
To maintain a Mekong focus, MMN carries out this work under its coordinated Roles of Countries of Origin Project. This project undertakes research and advocacy from a migrant countries of origin perspective and aims to strengthen the capacity of CSOs in Mekong countries of origin in promoting and protecting the rights of migrants bound for Japan.
Key Milestones
Project Partners
- Legal Support for Children and Women, Cambodia;
- Centre for Development and Integration, Vietnam; and
- Future Light Centre, Myanmar
Related Initiatives
On 24 November 2021, Mekong Migration Network (MMN) convened a Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on Labour Migration from Cambodia and Vietnam to Japan. The workshop focused on two major themes: First, migration costs to Japan; and second, information dissemination concerning migrants’ rights to health, including reproductive health and Covid-19 matters, for migrants in Japan. These themes have been selected, as they are among the most pressing issues facing migrants in Japan and have been identified by MMN as issues that stakeholders in countries of origin can play a significant role in solving. Click here to read the report, and the digest video of the workshop is available here.
To understand recruitment process, MMN organized field visits in Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam and met prospective migrants preparing to go to Japan. This short video is a collection of interviews with those prospective migrants, hearing their voices about their expectations and worries for work in Japan, and future plans. Click here to watch the video (English and Japanese subtitles)
MMN produced this multimedia presentation to document migrant workers’ experiences of living and working in Thailand and Japan. The presentation is available in English, Thai, Khmer, Burmese, and Japanese. To watch, please click here.
Migrant workers make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the Mekong Subregion and beyond. However, despite the crucial role migrants play in the functioning of the economy, governments of popular destination countries in Asia appear content to formulate policies based on the notion that migration is a purely temporary phenomenon. How long is temporary? How long is it acceptable for migrants to be treated as permanent outsiders in the place where they have made their home?
This advocacy paper seeks to respond to these questions by unpacking the causes and impact of social exclusion on migrants in destination countries Thailand and Japan, and on migrant returnees in source countries Myanmar and Cambodia. Click here to download the English version, Khmer version and Burmese version”
Videos
Building a future together: Mekong Migrant Workers in Japan
Migrants make a significant contribution to Japan's socio-economic development. The short film illustrates their stories and the challenges they face, from interviewing a range of stakeholders including migrant workers from Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, employers of migrant workers, migrants’ rights advocates and community leaders. Interviews took place across Japan in Tokyo, Kyoto, Aichi and Kumamoto. Click here to watch the short version of the film.
Digest Video of MMN Multistakeholder Workshop on Labour Migration from Cambodia and Vietnam to Japan
This open event organized on the 5th of June 2024, convened key stakeholders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Japan to deliberate on current policies and challenges in labour migration to Japan. it also featured a preview of MMN's upcoming documentary "Building a Future Together: Mekong Migrant Workers in Japan" highlighting migrant experiences under Japan's Technical Intern Training Program and Specified Skilled Worker scheme through interviews with workers, employers, and support groups. In a subsequent session, a panel addressed issues such as recruitment fees and efforts in both origin countries and Japan to transition to a zero-recruitment fee model.
Digest Video of MMN Multistakeholder Workshop on Labour Migration from Cambodia and Vietnam to Japan
On 24 November 2021, Mekong Migration Network (MMN) convened a Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on Labour Migration from Cambodia and Vietnam to Japan. The workshop focused on two major themes: First, migration costs to Japan; and second, information dissemination concerning migrants’ rights to health, including reproductive health and Covid-19 matters, for migrants in Japan. Click to see the video.
Migrant interviews: Hope and Inspirations of Workers Going to Japan
To understand recruitment process, MMN organized field visits in Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam and met prospective migrants preparing to go to Japan. This short video is a collection of interviews with those prospective migrants, hearing their voice about their expectations and worries for work in Japan, and future plans. Click here to watch the video (English and Japanese subtitles)
Beyond “Tolerance”: Living Together with Migrants
MMN produced this multimedia presentation to document migrant workers’ experiences of living and working in Thailand and Japan. The presentation is available in English, Thai, Khmer, Burmese, and Japanese. To watch, please click here.
