My company told me not to bother coming to work anymore because I couldn’t meet a quota that was too difficult.

That’s a tough situation. Did you consult with your sending organization?

Yes, I did. But the company is requesting that I return to my home country. They say that I’m not needed.

The company can’t force you to return to your home country if you don’t want to. We suggest that you contact a support group or other consultation services for help.

Frequently in technical intern training, trainees are asked to sign a document stating that you are resigning (returning home) at your own request, even though you are being forced to quit against your will. If you sign, you will be at a disadvantage when changing your status of residence to change jobs. Let’s look at some examples of senior trainees.

Forced to Return to My Country

A woman in her 30s was doing a technical internship at a sewing factory. The company instructed her to sew 200 garments a day, but even working overtime for 3 hours every day, she could only manage 150 garments.

Then, the president told her, “You don’t have to come to work anymore.” At that time, the union (supervisory organization) appeased the president, but four months later, the president of the sending organization came from her home country and said, “The company doesn’t want you. Let’s fly back home tomorrow.”

Consulting a Support Group

She had previously consulted with a support group on social media. On the day the personnel from the sending organization came, she told the representative of the support group, “I am about to be taken back home. Help me!” The representative reported the incident to OTIT (Organization for Technical Intern Training) and the Labor Standards Inspection Office, with whom he had previously been in contact.

The next morning, OTIT representatives came to the company and took her into custody. OTIT revoked the qualification of technical intern training site, and she was able to start working at a new company.

Click here to read more about her story.

Experiences of Technical Intern Training #7 “Rescued on the Verge of Being Forced to Return to Home Country”

Hiền, a technical intern trainee, was told by the president, “you don’t have to come to the office anymore.” A few months later, the president of the sending agency came and said, “I will take you back to Vietnam,” but Hiền was rescued by the OTIT (Organization for Technical Intern Training) on the verge of being forced to return to her home country. Here is Hiền’s experience.

Forced Return is Illegal

The Technical Intern Training Act and its operational guidelines states the following.

• When sending a trainee back home in the middle of the training, the trainee must be fully informed in writing that there is no need to return home in the middle of the training against his/her will, and his/her intention must be confirmed.
• If the trainee wishes to continue the training, the host company or supervisory organization must find the next training site.

Rely on OTIT and Support Groups

If the union or host company is being unfair, consult with OTIT. You can send your consultation in your native language.

OTIT Consultation in native language

*Private support groups can also be consulted.

Problem #5: “Giving birth with a temporary visitor visa”

A technical intern trainee was forced to leave Japan. She came back to Japan on her own, but she got pregnant and could not find a job, so she was worried about how to make a living.

Problem #7: “Dismissal for Allowing Fiancée to Stay in Dormitory”

A technical intern trainee has allowed his fiancée to stay in his dorm room and was about to be sent back to his home country for violating the rules. Does he really have to return home?

If You Have Any Problems During Technical Intern Training (After Coming to Japan)

In case you have problems during your technical intern training, such as not getting paid for overtime hours, not getting paid leave, wanting to run away and finding another job, being fired, or wanting to change jobs, here are some tips and places to consult to solve such problems.

Click Here to Request For Assistance

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