- Introduction
- 1. Overview and Background of the MLIT Survey
- 2. Current Status of Foreign Workers in the Construction and Demolition Industry
- 3. Basic Knowledge of Residence Status – Points Companies Should Verify
- 4. Corporate Compliance – Rules to Follow in Foreign Employment
- 5. Risks of Improper Construction and Illegal Dumping
- 6. What Administrative Scriveners Can Support
- 7. Future Prospects and Measures
- Summary
Introduction
According to media reports, on March 15, 2026, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) indicated that it would conduct its first nationwide survey of the demolition industry. This survey comes in response to the increase in foreign workers and confirmed cases of improper construction practices, potentially having a significant impact on the entire industry.
As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) who handles residence status applications and visa procedures for foreign nationals on a daily basis, I would like to explain in detail what this survey means and what both companies and foreign workers should verify immediately. For employers of foreign workers, this is a timely reminder to review status-of-residence management, labor compliance, and environmental compliance together.
1. Overview and Background of the MLIT Survey
Scale and Content of the Survey
Media reports describe the survey as targeting a very large number of demolition contractors nationwide. Specifically, the following items will be investigated:
• Company size: Number of employees, capital, annual sales, etc. • Scale of contracted projects: Number of annual projects, average contract amount • Wages of engineers and workers: Salary levels by occupation and years of experience • Construction conditions: Safety management systems, implementation of neighborhood measures • Accident situations: Number and content of occupational accidents • Industry challenges: Labor shortages, technical succession, compliance with regulations, etc.
The survey results are expected to be compiled into a report by the end of September 2026 and will be used as basic data for future policy formulation.
Background of the Survey
The following circumstances have led to this survey:
① Increase in Foreign Workers Foreign workers are increasing throughout the construction industry, and the demolition industry is no exception. Some media and commentary have pointed to a concentration of demolition-related businesses run by foreign nationals in certain areas, particularly in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. While specific figures have been cited in various sources, such figures should be attributed carefully unless confirmed by primary sources.
② Reports of Improper Construction Media reports indicate that last summer, information was provided to MLIT from a demolition industry association in the Kanto region stating that “there are contractors who proceed with construction without taking measures against dust, noise, and vibration.”
③ Confirmation Through Preliminary Survey In telephone interviews reportedly conducted by MLIT with Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture, and Kawaguchi City, voices were confirmed stating “foreigners are increasing” and “improper construction is occurring.”
④ Occurrence of Illegal Dumping Incidents In 2025, multiple illegal dumping incidents of mixed construction waste reportedly involving demolition workers of Turkish nationality living in Kawaguchi City occurred, resulting in arrests.
Legal Framework for Demolition Work
To operate a demolition business in Japan, the following permits/registrations are required depending on the scale of the project:
Permit Based on the Construction Business Act (Contract amount of ¥5 million or more) • MLIT Minister’s permit or Prefectural Governor’s permit • Must meet conditions such as placement of engineers and financial requirements • A substantial number of companies hold this permit nationwide
Registration Based on the Construction Recycling Act (Contract amount less than ¥5 million) • Registration with prefectural governments • Can start business with relatively simple procedures • A significant number of companies operate under this registration system nationwide
In this survey, for permitted contractors, surveys will be conducted through industry associations, and for registered contractors, survey entities will be recruited from the private sector.
2. Current Status of Foreign Workers in the Construction and Demolition Industry
Reality of Foreign Workers in the Construction Industry
Japan’s construction industry faces a serious labor shortage. According to MLIT statistics, approximately one-third of construction industry workers are 55 years or older, and the shortage of young entrants continues.
To compensate for this situation, the acceptance of foreign workers is progressing. In particular, foreigners working under the following residence statuses are increasing:
① Technical Intern Training (Construction-related) • Scaffolding, reinforcement work, formwork, interior finishing, etc. • Can stay for up to 5 years • System aimed at skill transfer
② Specified Skilled Worker (i) (Construction) • Residence status established in April 2019 • Expected to be immediately productive workers • Can stay for up to 5 years
③ Long-term Residents and Permanent Residents • Nikkeijin (people of Japanese descent) from Brazil and Peru, etc. • No restrictions on employment, can engage in a wide range of work
④ Designated Activities (Refugee Applicants, etc.) • May be granted to foreigners applying for refugee recognition • Can work if work permission is obtained • However, instability of residence status is an issue
Reasons Why Foreigners Gather in the Demolition Industry
The following reasons explain why there are many foreign workers in the demolition industry:
① Relatively Easy to Enter In the case of the registration system, capital requirements are lenient, making it easy to start a business
② Language Barrier is Relatively Low Work centers on heavy machinery operation and physical labor, and high-level Japanese language proficiency is not essential for many tasks
③ Wage Levels Are Not Bad Even inexperienced workers can expect reasonable daily wages, and higher income is possible with experience
④ Formation of Same-nationality Communities In areas where people of the same nationality gather, information exchange and mutual assistance are possible
Kurdish Community and Demolition Industry
Media reports indicate that a significant Kurdish population lives in the Kawaguchi City and Warabi City areas of Saitama Prefecture. Most of them have Turkish nationality, but they have applied for refugee recognition due to persecution in their home country, and the recognition rate is extremely low.
With the “Designated Activities” residence status during refugee recognition application, work is possible if work permission is obtained, but long-term career development is difficult due to the unstable residence status.
Nevertheless, by working in the demolition industry and industrial waste processing industry, they make a living, and some have become independent business operators. This background has contributed to the growth of demolition-related businesses in the area.
3. Basic Knowledge of Residence Status – Points Companies Should Verify
For companies employing foreign nationals, the most important thing is to confirm “whether that foreigner has a residence status that allows them to work legally.”
How to Verify Residence Card
Before hiring a foreign national, employers should verify the residence card, including the status of residence, period of stay, and any work restrictions, and use official invalidation inquiry tools where appropriate.
Items to Verify: • Name and Date of Birth: Identity verification • Residence Status: What activities are permitted • Period of Stay: Until when they can stay in Japan • Employment Restrictions: Whether there are notations such as “Employment not permitted” or “Employment restrictions apply” on the back of the card
Beware of Counterfeit Cards: Unfortunately, counterfeit residence cards are in circulation. Employers should verify the residence card itself, including the status of residence, period of stay, and any work restrictions, and where necessary use the Immigration Services Agency’s invalidation inquiry tools or card-reading support tools to check authenticity.
• Check the number using the Immigration Services Agency’s “Residence Card Number Invalidation Information Inquiry” • Verify card quality (hologram, printing precision, etc.) • If anything seems unnatural, consult the nearest immigration office
Residence Statuses That Allow Employment and Work Content
The work content that can be engaged in differs depending on the residence status.
[Residence Statuses Without Employment Restrictions] • Permanent Resident • Spouse or Child of Japanese National • Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident • Long-term Resident
Foreigners with these residence statuses can engage in any type of work, just like Japanese nationals.
[Residence Statuses That Permit Employment] • Technical Intern Training: Only occupations and tasks specified in the plan • Specified Skilled Worker: Specific work in the construction field • Designated Activities: Depending on individual designation content
These residence statuses have restrictions on the work content that can be engaged in. For example, working part-time at a restaurant with “Technical Intern Training (Construction-related)” residence status is not permitted.
[Residence Statuses That Generally Do Not Permit Employment] • Student (College Student) • Dependent • Cultural Activities • Temporary Visitor
For foreigners with these residence statuses to work, they must obtain “Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.” If they work without permission, the employing company may also be charged with the crime of promoting illegal employment.
Management of Period of Stay
Continuing to employ foreigners after their period of stay has expired constitutes the crime of promoting illegal employment (Article 73-2 of the Immigration Control Act), punishable by imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to ¥3 million.
What Companies Should Do: • Record the period of stay at the time of employment • Set an alert three months before the expiration of the period of stay • Confirm the progress of renewal applications • Keep a copy of the new residence card after renewal
Understanding “Re-entry Permission Deemed Granted”
A foreign national who holds a valid residence card and leaves Japan temporarily may generally re-enter under the special re-entry permission system if returning within one year (or before the period of stay expires, if earlier).
However, if it exceeds one year or if re-entry permission is required in some cases, prior confirmation is necessary for long-term returns home.
Special Extension Period During Application Review
If an application for extension or change is filed before the period of stay expires, a special extension period may apply while the application is under review, subject to the applicable rules. This allows the foreign national to continue residing in Japan legally during the examination period.
4. Corporate Compliance – Rules to Follow in Foreign Employment
Notification of Employment Status of Foreign Nationals
Employers are generally required to notify Hello Work when hiring or separating from foreign employees (with limited statutory exceptions). Failure to file, or filing a false notification, may result in a fine of up to 300,000 yen.
Notification Deadline: • For employment insurance subscribers: By the 10th of the month following employment/separation • For non-employment insurance subscribers: By the end of the month following employment/separation
Notification Content: • Name, residence status, period of stay, date of birth, gender, nationality, etc.
Equal Treatment in Working Conditions
Foreign workers are protected by Japan’s labor laws in the same way as Japanese workers. Under Article 3 of the Labor Standards Act, discriminatory treatment in wages, working hours, or other working conditions on the grounds of nationality, creed, or social status is prohibited.
Matters to Comply With: • Payment above minimum wage • Compliance with working hours and holidays • Overtime pay • Granting of annual paid leave • Issuance of employment contract (preferably bilingual in native language)
Obligation to Join Social Insurance
Foreign workers are also subject to social insurance (health insurance, employee pension insurance) and labor insurance (employment insurance, workers’ accident compensation insurance) if they meet certain requirements.
Social Insurance: • Obligation to join if working 30 hours or more per week, or if working 20 hours or more and meeting certain requirements • Except for short-term residents, etc., joining is required regardless of nationality
Labor Insurance: • Employment insurance: Obligation to join if working 20 hours or more per week • Workers’ accident compensation insurance: All workers are covered regardless of employment type
Safety Management and Multilingual Support
Construction and demolition sites are dangerous workplaces. It is necessary to provide adequate safety education to foreign workers as well.
Recommended Measures: • Preparation of safety education materials in native languages • Manuals with extensive illustrations and graphics • Regular safety meetings (with interpreter placement) • Guidance on proper use of protective equipment • Emergency contact system (multilingual support)
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Construction Industry Occupational Safety and Health Association provide multilingual safety education materials, so actively utilize them.
Specific Obligations for Technical Interns and Specified Skilled Workers
When accepting technical interns or specified skilled workers, additional special obligations arise.
For Technical Intern Training: • Creation and certification of technical intern training plan • Notification as implementing organization • Placement of technical intern training instructors and life guidance instructors • Periodic implementation of skill evaluation tests • Regular reporting and support obligations under the applicable technical intern training framework
For Specified Skilled Workers: • Conclusion of specified skilled employment contract • Creation of support plan for specified skilled workers (i) • Delegation to registered support organization (in-house support also possible) • Regular reporting and support obligations under the applicable specified skilled worker framework
Failure to fulfill these obligations may result in cancellation of permission or penalties.
5. Risks of Improper Construction and Illegal Dumping
Compliance with Environmental Regulations
Demolition work must comply with the following regulations:
① Construction Recycling Act • Prior notification required for demolition work above a certain scale • Obligation for separate demolition and recycling
② Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act • Proper disposal of industrial waste • Issuance and storage of manifest (control ticket) • Prohibition of illegal dumping (imprisonment for up to 5 years or fine up to ¥10 million)
③ Air Pollution Control Act • Prior investigation and notification of asbestos-containing building materials • Implementation of scattering prevention measures
④ Noise Regulation Act and Vibration Regulation Act • Notification of specific construction work • Restriction of working hours, compliance with noise and vibration standards
Prevention of Neighborhood Troubles
Demolition work affects neighboring residents with dust, noise, vibration, etc. Failure to respond appropriately can lead to work stoppage orders and damage compensation claims.
Recommended Measures: • Pre-construction greetings and explanations to neighbors • Installation of soundproof sheets and protective measures • Dust control through water sprinkling • Strict adherence to working hours • Clear indication of complaint reception window
Lessons from Illegal Dumping Incidents
Media reports of illegal dumping incidents in 2025 reportedly involving demolition workers of Turkish nationality show the following lessons:
① Lack of Knowledge About Waste Disposal Mixed construction waste is complex to process and costly. Starting a business without proper knowledge creates risks of illegal activities.
② Problems in Subcontracting Structure In the flow of work from prime contractors to subcontractors and further subcontractors, there are cases where proper waste disposal costs are not secured.
③ Language and Cultural Barriers Understanding Japan’s complex waste management laws requires advanced Japanese language proficiency and specialized knowledge. The current lack of support systems for foreign business operators is also a problem.
Measures Companies Can Take
• Implementation of waste management law training (multilingual support) • Thorough proper management of manifests • Contracts with trustworthy industrial waste contractors • Consult with government agencies and specialists on unclear points • Establishment of internal audit systems
6. What Administrative Scriveners Can Support
Administrative scriveners are specialists in residence status for foreigners. Administrative scriveners who are authorized as immigration application agents may prepare and file applications with the Immigration Services Agency on behalf of clients.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility
When inviting foreigners from overseas, it is first necessary to obtain a “Certificate of Eligibility.” This is to prove in advance that the activities planned in Japan correspond to a residence status.
What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: • Judgment of appropriate residence status • Listing and preparation support for required documents • Application representation to immigration • Reapplication support in case of non-approval
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
This is the procedure for foreigners whose period of stay is approaching to continue staying in Japan. Applications can be made from three months before the expiration of the period of stay.
What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: • Advice on extension timing • Support in preparing required documents • Advance evaluation of non-approval risk • Creation of application documents and representation application
Application for Change of Residence Status
This is the procedure when changing from the current residence status to another residence status, for example, from “Student” to a work-authorized status after graduation, or from Technical Intern Training to Specified Skilled Worker where the legal requirements are met.
What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: • Judgment of change possibility • Confirmation of requirement fulfillment • Creation of change application documents • Accompanying pre-consultation with immigration
Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted
This is a permission application for foreigners with residence statuses such as “Student (College Student)” or “Dependent,” which generally do not permit employment, to work part-time.
Points to Note: • For students, the general permission framework allows up to 28 hours per week during academic terms and up to 8 hours per day during officially designated long vacation periods • Cannot engage in entertainment and amusement businesses • Employing without permission constitutes the crime of promoting illegal employment
Application for Permanent Residence
This is an application for foreigners who meet certain requirements to live in Japan without restriction on the period of stay.
General Requirements: • Residing in Japan for 10 years or more (5 years or more with work status or residence status) • Good conduct • Having assets or skills sufficient to make an independent living • Recognized as being in the interest of Japan
What Administrative Scriveners Can Do: • Confirmation of requirement fulfillment and pointing out deficiencies • Support in preparing voluminous documents • Creation of applications and representation application • Response to requests for additional materials
Application for Naturalization
This is the procedure for foreigners to acquire Japanese nationality. Applications are made to the Legal Affairs Bureau, but administrative scriveners can also provide document preparation support.
General Requirements: • Having an address in Japan for 5 years or more • Being 20 years or older and having capacity under home country law • Good conduct • Livelihood requirements • Dual nationality prevention requirements • Constitutional compliance requirements
Corporate Consulting
We support the establishment of compliance systems for companies considering employing foreigners or already employing them.
Support Content: • Implementation of training on residence status systems • Development of employment management regulations • Proposal of residence card management systems • Representation of notification of employment status of foreign nationals • Advice on responding when troubles occur
7. Future Prospects and Measures
Expected Developments After MLIT Survey
Following this MLIT survey, the following policy changes are anticipated:
① Stricter Registration Standards Currently relatively lenient registration requirements may become stricter with financial requirements and engineer requirements
② Creation of Guidelines for Foreign Business Operators Development of regulatory explanation materials in multiple languages and training programs
③ Strengthening of Supervision and Guidance Systems Strengthening of on-site inspections and improvement orders for contractors where improper construction has been confirmed
④ Impact on Residence Status Screening Screening of residence status for foreigners engaged in demolition work may become more cautious
What Companies Should Start Doing Immediately
Rather than waiting for survey results, it is important to start taking measures now.
[Short-term Measures (Immediately)] • Re-verify residence cards of all employed foreigners • Create period of stay management table • Confirm no omissions in notification of employment status of foreign nationals • Develop working condition notification (preferably multilingual)
[Medium-term Measures (Within 3 months)] • Multilingualization of safety education materials • Implementation of in-house training on waste management laws • Development of neighborhood measures manual • Consider retainer contract with specialists such as administrative scriveners
[Long-term Measures (Within 1 year)] • Systematic development of foreign human resources • Construction of acceptance system for technical intern training and specified skilled workers • Third-party evaluation of legal compliance system • Joining industry associations and information gathering
Message to Foreign Workers
There is something I want to convey to foreigners working in Japan.
You Have Rights: • The right to receive appropriate wages • The right to work in a safe workplace • The right not to be discriminated against • The right to receive compensation for occupational accidents
Please Consult When in Trouble: • Foreign Residents Information Center (multilingual support) • Labor Standards Inspection Office (some offices have interpreter support) • Specialists such as administrative scriveners • NPO support organizations
Understand Your Residence Status Correctly: • Confirm what you can do with your residence status • Always observe your period of stay (renewal procedures 3 months in advance) • Notification may be required when changing jobs • Always consult specialists when in trouble
Toward a Multicultural Society
This MLIT survey is not intended to exclude foreign workers. It is to accurately grasp the actual situation and prepare an environment where both Japanese and foreigners can work with peace of mind.
The construction and demolition industry will not be sustainable without the strength of foreign workers in the future. Therefore, it is important to build relationships where we respect each other under appropriate rules.
Companies should comply with laws and provide appropriate working environments, foreign workers should understand and comply with Japanese regulations, and we administrative scriveners will continue to provide support as a “bridge” between the two.
Summary
Media reports indicate that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is conducting the first nationwide survey of the demolition industry, which may be a turning point for the industry. It is required to face the issues of increasing foreign workers and improper construction head-on and take appropriate measures.
To Companies: • Thoroughly verify residence status • Comply with labor laws and environmental regulations • Provide appropriate education and treatment to foreign workers • Consult specialists on unclear points
To Foreign Workers: • Correctly understand your residence status and rights • If you have any troubles, please do not hesitate to consult • Learn and comply with Japanese regulations
As an Administrative Scrivener: We will fully support you, from residence status procedures to corporate compliance support, so that you can work and operate your business with peace of mind. Please feel free to contact us.
References: • Media reports on MLIT survey of the demolition industry • Immigration Services Agency “List of Residence Statuses” • Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “About Notification of Employment Status of Foreign Nationals” • Ministry of the Environment “Overview of Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act”
Contact Us: For consultation on residence status and foreign employment, please feel free to contact our office. The initial consultation is free.
Original Article: https://www.sankei.com/article/20260315-4WWX2M2AEVCVBEMQ7VJ57NT6PM/
