This section explains some basic information briefly which should be recognized by foreigners working in Japan or intending to do so.

Foreign nationals who are permitted to work in Japan and those who are not.

When you look for a job.

Labour related laws you need to be aware of

When you resign from a company

Other insurance systems for workers

When you resign from a company

When you resign from a company , please pay attention to the following points.

• Resignation at worker's initiative

  Generally the rules of employment have provisions over resignation. It is advisable to read and confirm the content of the provisions and procedures of resignation in advance. Besides the Civil Code (Article 627), in the case of a labour contract which does not fix the term of employment, the contract terminates 2 weeks later following the request by employees for the cancellation of the contract.

  However, even if you ask to be "released" immediately, the employer might have difficulty in passing your work to another employee, or looking for a new employee. It is advisable to talk over thoroughly the time of resignation, etc. with the employer.

• Dismissal by the employer

  "Dismissal" means that a labour contract is brought to an end one-sidedly at the employer's initiative. In the case of dismissal, the employer is required to give the worker an advance notice at least 30 days before dismissal. In case an advance notice is not given of at least 30 days before dismissal, the employer must pay the amount of average wages for the number of days falling short of the 30 days dismissal notice allowance. (Article 20 and 21 of the Labour Standards Law)

  Those who have been hired by an establishment in Japan and meet certain requirements will be covered by the Employment Insurance System. It is recommended that the insured person should follow the necessary procedure after resignation.

• Employment Insurance System
  In Japan, the Employment Insurance System is established. The system intends to secure the employment of workers with jobs, and pays workers with no job, unemployment and other benefits to stabilize their life and promote reemployment.

  Unemployment and other benefits are covered by the employment insurance contributions paid by workers and employers. A worker employed in Japan will be, whether Japanese or not, insured and receive an insurance card from his employer.

[When you resign]

When a worker becomes unemployed, he/she will receive unemployment benefits if he/she satisfies the requirements. In order to receive this benefit, you need to go the Public Employment Security Office of your district and apply for a job, and to do so please bring the following items with you :

1. Separation notice"RISHOKU-HYO" (given by the employer at resignation)
2. Insurance card
3. Seal (if you have one)
4. Certificate that shows your address and age (certificate of alien registration or passport)
5. Two recent photographs (3 x 2.5 cm)

After applying for a job, please go to the Public Employment Security Office on the appointed day, and receive recognition of unemployment. When you obtain the recognition, you will be paid unemployment benefits, except for the initial 7 days of unemployment after you applied for a job (waiting period). In case you are dismissed for serious reasons imputable to yourself, or resign at your own initiative without sufficient reason, you will not be paid for 3 months after 7days of waiting (Restriction on benefits).