- Introduction
- 1. Why Disaster Preparedness is Essential for Foreign Workers
- 2. The Connection Between Disaster Preparedness and Visa/Residence Status Management
- 3. Concrete Disaster Preparedness Measures for Employers
- 4. Benefits of Disaster Preparedness for Employers
- 5. How Immigration Lawyers Can Help
- Conclusion
Introduction
On July 28, 2026, a tsunami evacuation drill was conducted for foreign technical intern trainees at an aquaculture company in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Approximately 40 trainees from Nepal and Indonesia participated in the drill, which simulated a major tsunami warning and tested evacuation routes.
The drill was organized by the Uwajima Police Station to raise awareness of disaster preparedness among companies employing foreign workers. One participant commented, “Japan has many earthquakes and tsunamis, which is scary. Having this kind of training is very reassuring.”
This case highlights a critical issue facing companies that employ foreign nationals: How do we protect the safety of our foreign staff?
In this article, we examine the importance of disaster preparedness for foreign workers, the responsibilities of employers, and the connection between these efforts and visa applications and residence status management—from the perspective of an immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi).
1. Why Disaster Preparedness is Essential for Foreign Workers
1-1. Many Foreign Workers Have No Experience with Earthquakes or Tsunamis
Most foreign workers in Japan come from countries where earthquakes and tsunamis are uncommon. For example, countries like Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam do not experience earthquakes as frequently as Japan.
As a result, many foreign nationals do not know how to respond when they hear an earthquake early warning alarm or feel tremors. Some may not even understand the concept of a “tsunami,” which poses a life-threatening risk, especially for those working in coastal areas.
1-2. Language Barriers Hinder Evacuation
During a disaster, instructions and announcements are typically given in Japanese. For foreign workers who do not speak Japanese fluently, this creates a critical barrier. They may not understand where to evacuate, which route to take, or when to leave—putting them at serious risk of being left behind.
1-3. Employers’ Duty of Care
Under Article 5 of the Labor Contract Act of Japan, employers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their employees. This applies to all workers, regardless of nationality. If a foreign worker is harmed during a disaster due to inadequate safety measures, the company may be held legally responsible.
2. The Connection Between Disaster Preparedness and Visa/Residence Status Management
2-1. Immigration Authorities Evaluate “Employer Suitability”
When a company applies for or renews a residence status (visa) for a foreign employee, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan reviews whether the employer provides an appropriate working environment.
Key evaluation criteria include:
- Employment conditions (wages, working hours, holidays, etc.)
- Housing arrangements
- Living support systems
- Safety management systems
Safety management includes not only workplace accident prevention but also preparedness for natural disasters. Documentation such as disaster drill records and multilingual evacuation manuals can serve as evidence of the company’s suitability as an employer.
2-2. The Role of Supervising Organizations and Registered Support Organizations
Under Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program and Specified Skilled Worker Program, supervising organizations and registered support organizations are required to provide life support to foreign workers. This includes disaster response support.
Even if a company cannot implement disaster preparedness measures independently, it is expected to work with these organizations to ensure foreign workers are protected.
3. Concrete Disaster Preparedness Measures for Employers
3-1. Conduct Regular Disaster Drills
As demonstrated in the Uwajima case, regular evacuation drills are essential. Drills should include the following:
- Multilingual explanations: Provide instructions in English and the workers’ native languages, not just Japanese.
- Walk the evacuation route: Allow participants to physically experience the distance and time required to reach the evacuation site.
- Drills during off-hours: Simulate scenarios where disasters occur outside of working hours, including at night or on weekends.
3-2. Create Multilingual Disaster Manuals
Prepare disaster manuals in the native languages of your foreign staff, including information on evacuation sites, evacuation routes, and emergency contact numbers. Use illustrations and maps to make the information visually accessible.
3-3. Establish Emergency Communication Systems
Decide in advance who will contact foreign workers during a disaster and how. Consider using communication tools that foreign workers use daily, such as LINE or WhatsApp.
3-4. Collaborate with the Local Community
Encourage foreign staff to participate in local disaster drills and evacuation shelter operations. This helps build trust and mutual support networks between foreign workers and local residents.
4. Benefits of Disaster Preparedness for Employers
4-1. Improved Retention of Foreign Workers
When foreign workers feel that their employer genuinely cares about their safety, it builds trust and increases job satisfaction. This leads to lower turnover rates.
4-2. Enhanced Corporate Reputation
Companies that actively invest in disaster preparedness are recognized and respected by society. This has positive effects on recruiting efforts and business relationships.
4-3. Smoother Visa Application and Renewal Processes
Records of disaster drills and multilingual manuals can be submitted to immigration authorities as evidence of a proper support system, facilitating smoother application and renewal processes.
5. How Immigration Lawyers Can Help
Disaster preparedness for foreign workers is closely linked to visa applications and residence status management. Our office provides the following support services:
- Visa application and renewal assistance: Preparation of application documents, including records of disaster preparedness measures.
- Advice on building a proper support system: Concrete recommendations on disaster preparedness measures for employers.
- Support in creating multilingual manuals: Assistance in developing disaster manuals that foreign workers can easily understand.
- Coordination with supervising and support organizations: Facilitating effective disaster preparedness measures through collaboration.
Conclusion
The tsunami evacuation drill conducted in Uwajima for foreign technical intern trainees is a powerful example of the importance of disaster preparedness for companies employing foreign workers.
Disaster preparedness is not merely a matter of legal compliance. It is a vital effort to protect the lives of foreign staff, build corporate trust, and improve the quality of residence status management.
Does your company have adequate safety measures in place for your foreign workers?
If you have any concerns or questions, please consult with a specialist. We are here to support you with all aspects of foreign employment, combining legal accuracy with practical expertise.
Reference Article:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d7108e54be0a4c8666bf516ef7fee844fa0e09a7
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