The presence of Bangladeshis in Japan's labour market remains modest compared to the Middle Eastern markets. Between 2004 and 2024, only 4,856 Bangladeshi workers were sent to Japan. In 2024, 1,088 workers were dispatched, following 967 in 2023 and 508 in 2022, as per data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET). This contrasts sharply with the success of ASEAN countries and Nepal, whose workers have made a more significant impact. Bangladesh has much to learn from their strategies.
Japan, a G-7 nation, is facing a demographic crisis. The population saw a decline of 0.50% in 2024, reaching 123.75 million, down from 124.37 million in 2023. Over the past two decades, Japan’s aging population, compounded by a high life expectancy, has intensified the demand for foreign workers. This creates an opportunity for Bangladesh to fill this gap.
In response to this pressing need, Japan plans to recruit up to 1 million foreign workers by 2040, according to research by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The number of foreign workers in Japan has been steadily increasing. By October 2024, Japan hosted a record 2.3 million foreign workers, marking a 12.4% increase from the previous year. The number of businesses employing foreign workers has also reached a record high of 342,000, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly reliant on this workforce.
The demand for foreign workers has become critical, especially in industries like construction and healthcare. The jobs-to-applicants ratio in these sectors is alarmingly high, with the construction sector seeing a ratio of 5.60, and nursing positions at 2.37, compared to the national average of 1.25.
Foreign workers are flocking to Japan from countries like Myanmar, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, where economic instability and lack of opportunities have driven people to seek employment abroad. However, Japan faces fierce competition for these workers, with neighbouring countries such as Singapore and South Korea also vying to attract foreign labour.
Despite challenges such as the weak yen, which has made Japan a less attractive destination financially, Japan's wages remain competitive among developed nations. This, coupled with the expected changes in regulations that will allow workers to switch companies more easily, may lead to higher wages and improve working conditions. If Japan can adapt to these changes, it could boost the influx of foreign workers, which would be beneficial for both the economy and the workers themselves.
For Bangladesh to tap into this growing demand, it must take proactive steps in developing an internationally competitive workforce. Establishing training institutions focused on Japan’s language, culture, and specific skills is crucial. Bangladesh's government has already outlined a long-term plan to send 50,000 workers to Japan in phases.
In contrast, Nepal is already making strides in this regard. Japan has recently signed agreements to recruit 20,000 Nepali workers for caregiving roles, while Indonesia aims to send 250,000 workers to Japan over the next five years. Bangladesh must follow suit, focusing on high-quality training to meet Japan’s labour market needs.
Bangladesh’s diplomats in Tokyo suggest that, with proper training in the Japanese language and culture, Bangladeshi workers can successfully integrate into Japan’s workforce. Currently, approximately 33,000 Bangladeshis work in Japan, a figure far smaller than the 200,000 Nepali and 400,000 Vietnamese workers.
Bangladesh should implement a long-term strategy to build a workforce suited for Japan’s G-7 market. In line with this, the Bangladesh mission in Tokyo issues an average of 6,000 to 8,000 visas annually, with the number expected to rise, especially with the recent reduction of Japan's travel advisory for Bangladesh from Level 2 to Level 1, effective from December 2024. This change will facilitate greater mobility between the two countries, boosting business and tourism exchanges.
As Bangladesh seeks to tap into Japan’s labour market, steps are already underway to equip its youth with the necessary skills. BMET has set up technical training centres (TTCs) across the country, offering courses in Japanese language and culture. Some 3,000 young Bangladeshis have already received such training, with plans for further expansion.
However, there are concerns about the adequacy of these programs. A leading manpower exporter has pointed out that the duration and methods of the training need to be improved to better meet the needs of the Japanese labour market. Currently, the training program lasts six months, but extending it to a year could better prepare workers for the rigours of Japan's workforce.
Moreover, Japan is evolving its immigration policies, with plans to allow certain blue-collar workers to stay indefinitely by 2027. If implemented, this could enhance Japan's attractiveness as a destination for foreign workers and help Bangladesh solidify its position as a key supplier of skilled labour.
The recent increase in the number of Bangladeshis working in Japan—from 18,055 in December 2021 to 31,536 in June 2024—shows that Bangladesh's labour force is beginning to make inroads. With the right policies, training, and diplomatic support, the flow of Bangladeshi workers to Japan could increase significantly in the coming years.
As Japan's workforce continues to shrink, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. By nurturing a skilled, well-trained workforce and strengthening its diplomatic and economic ties with Japan, Bangladesh can open a new chapter in workforce diplomacy, marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership with one of the world's most developed nations.
