Pakistani skilled workers to get jobs in Japan, says embassy.

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan and Japan are exploring ways to expand cooperation for employment of Pakistani skilled workers in Japan.

Japan is facing serious labour shortage, and the government has decided to accept foreign human resources, with specific expertise and skills.

A new 'Status of Residence' for specific skilled workers has been created that became effective on April 1.

For this purpose, the Japanese government has amended the 'Immigration Control Act' and took comprehensive measures for the acceptance of foreign workers residing in Japan.

Within the next five years, Japan expects to hire services of 340,000 skilled workers.

'Stakeholders show interest in opportunities for Pakistani people to work in Japan and I have talked to find ways for these opportunities with the ministry of foreign affairs and economic affairs division besides stakeholders like ministry of education and National Vocational and Technical Education Commission,' said Yuji Tokita, head of the Economic and Development Section at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad.

The Japanese government has already signed a memorandum for cooperation with the Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia, Myanmar and Nepal. Agreement with Vietnam has been reached substantially, according to the official.

Besides, Pakistan and Japan in February signed a memorandum of cooperation in Tokyo on technical intern training programme. This is the first institutional arrangement between the two governments which will open up...