According to a report released on January 30 by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of foreign workers stood at more than 2.571 million as of the end of October 2025, up 11.7% from 2024.

This marked the first time since 2007 that the total exceeded 2.5 million and the third consecutive year in which growth reached double digits.

Among countries and territories with nationals working in Japan, Vietnam ranked first with nearly 606,000 workers, followed by China with about 432,000. The Philippines, Nepal and Indonesia ranked third, fourth and fifth, respectively. Healthcare and welfare services employed the largest share of foreign workers, accounting for 25.6%, followed by accommodation and food services and construction.

The report also showed that Japan’s total employed population across all localities reached more than 62.14 million as of the end of October 2025, with foreign workers making up for 4.1%.

The Japanese government said that, amid rapid population ageing and acute labour shortages, foreign workers have become an indispensable part of the labour force. Relevant agencies will continue efforts to improve working conditions to support this workforce.

However, calls to restrict the intake of foreign nationals have resurfaced during campaigning for Japan’s 51st House of Representatives election, despite the country’s deepening demographic challenges and labour shortages.

Nearly 75,000 Vietnamese workers sent abroad in first half of 2025

VOV.VN - Nearly 74,700 Vietnamese workers went abroad for employment in the first half of this year, fulfilling 57.4% of the annual target, according to the Department of Overseas Labour Management under the Ministry of Home Affairs.