Solon denounces crackdown on OFWs in Japan

A party-list congressman denounced the alleged crackdown on Filipino workers in Japan by an immigration official of that country.

Rep. Omar Fajardo of the Overseas Filipino Workers party said up to three thousand Filipino entertainers or overseas performing artists have been displaced in recent months, and the figure may rise if concerned agencies do not intervene.

"This is a very big number. A very alarming number, and if left unchecked by concerned government agencies, this could aggravate the country’s unemployment problem," said Fajardo, who also called for a boycott of Japanese-made products in view of what he called the "inhuman" treatment" of his compatriots.

"This policy is in itself some kind of terrorism wreaking havoc on their lives and families and consequently destroying whatever hope and dreams our kababayan (countrymen) have for a secure future," he said.

The congressman said Tokyo immigration bureau chief Hidenori Sakanaka, since assuming office last April, immediately conducted raids, investigations and inspections of clubs and closing them.

This led to eventual displacement of Filipino entertainers who, without due process, were summarily deported even if they have valid employment contracts and work permits, he explained.

Fajardo said this action constitutes violation of workers’ rights as mandated by international labor conventions of which Japan is a signatory.

And if this policy of Sakanaka continues, thousands more are expected to lose their jobs and further aggravate the country’s unemployment rate which is reported at its highest level in decades, the party-list congressman said.

Sakanaka, 58, is a Korean-born immigrant. His previous posts as head of several immigration bureaus in Southern Japan revealed his strong bias against Filipino nationals where he allegedly first employed the same kempeitai-style raids and summary deportation that he is presently employing in Tokyo.

One good solution, according to Fajardo, that may be considered is a moratorium on suspension of licenses and closure of club venues, a transition period of at least three to six months to allow establishments to make voluntary corrections and effect improvements on their business operations.

In the interim, entertainers with valid employment contracts and work permits must be allowed to finish their term including contract extensions, he said.