Domestic Helper laws in Tokyo

Posted by Simonandco (144 days ago)

We're moving from HK to Tokyo and bringing our domestic helper with us. We're struggling to find any information about the legal terms and conditions that should be in her contract in Tokyo. Does anyone know what the terms should be (e.g. min. wage, annual leave etc) or where I can find that information?

Thanks

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Posted by solomani (144 days ago)

We had a look at this back in 2003. The problem wasn’t minimum wage etc but getting a visa for the helper. Under Japanese law only the number 1 and number 2 in a company can get a “helper” visa and only for 1 helper. It’s not allowed for anyone else. The alternative is to hire someone already in Japan with a visa. Mostly women who work at the Pilipino embassy (for example).

If you have the visa part covered you have to meet all the minimum employment requirements as set out by the department of labour. Helpers don’t have any exceptions under Japanese law – they are just considered like any other wage earner. Back then minimum wage was 3.5 million yen, plus pension, travel expenses etc. This could have changed. The best place to get info is the department of labour. They have an English speaking help-line. Unfortunately it’s been 3 years since I lived in Japan so I don’t have this info handy anymore.
Hope that helps.

Posted by Ed (144 days ago)

Touch base with these companies - their relocation experts should be able to advise http://www.asiaxpat.com/movingquote/

Posted by Simonandco (144 days ago)

Thanks - the relocation company we're using weren't able to help. I'm looking for the labour department number. If you come across it that would be great.

Posted by joga (142 days ago)

The labour dept number/webpage is http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/index.html and this is the webpage/phone number for the ministry of justice - immigration http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/ib-09.html they maybe able to help or at least point you in the right direction. The Japanese or Philippine consulates in HK may also be able to provide you with some information. There are always helpers already here looking for continued sponsorship as their current employers are leaving. While there are the advantages in continuing with a helper who you know, trust and are happy with there are also advantages in hiring someone who familiar with the country you are moving to. The going rate for a helper here is around 1550 yen per hour plus transport. If you sponsor a helper a lot people choose to let the helper supplement their income by working for other families during part of the day. Maid rooms aren't common here although they do exist so most helpers live out. Although we sponsor a helper we hired here after moving from HK I can't tell you exactly how we did it because it was handled by my husbands company. Hope this helps.