Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, is set to launch a bounty system that offers financial rewards for reporting instances of illegal employment of foreigners. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the high rates of undocumented workers in the region, particularly in the agricultural sector. Recent statistics from the Immigration Services Agency indicate that over 3,400 foreigners were identified as working illegally in Ibaraki, marking the highest rate among Japan's prefectures for three consecutive years. This new program is part of the prefecture's initial budget proposal for the coming year, and aims to enhance reporting mechanisms and information gathering on the issue.

Under this new bounty system, individuals who provide information leading to the apprehension of illegal workers may receive rewards, projected to be in the tens of thousands of yen. Although the prefecture claims the system will be designed with human rights considerations in mind, critics, including advocacy groups, have expressed concern that it may foster a discriminatory environment, pushing undocumented foreigners into hiding rather than encouraging them to seek assistance. The prefectural officials have stated their hope that the system will end up highlighting those businesses that exploit these workers, rather than targeting the foreigners themselves.

Ibaraki's Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa stressed the urgency of addressing the problem of illegal employment, highlighting the need for effective measures to avoid creating anxiety among legitimate foreign workers. Advocacy groups worry that this approach may lead to increased secrecy among foreigners, potentially worsening their situation and hindering assistance. The balancing act between monitoring illegal employment and protecting the rights of individuals caught in these situations poses significant challenges for local authorities as they navigate public concerns about discrimination while seeking to manage labor issues effectively.