Japan bans decontamination work by foreign trainees

March 16, 2018

Tokyo- The Japanese government on Friday announced a total ban of technical trainees from abroad carrying out work to decontaminate areas tainted with radioactive materials.

The decision came after a Vietnamese trainee was recently found to have taken part in decontamination work in areas affected by the 2011 triple meltdown at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s <9501> Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant without being given adequate explanations by an employer.

Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa told a press conference that decontamination work goes against the purpose of the country's technical intern training program that gives foreigners opportunities to acquire skills in Japan.

The government will no longer allow training plans for foreign trainees that include decontamination work. Any plan including decontamination work will not meet the standards for approval, the government said.

Companies and organizations applying for government approval of training plans will be asked to submit written pledges not to make trainees engage in decontamination work. Jiji Press