Japan’s SSW Visa Scams: Myanmar Workers Trapped in Debt

In recent years, Japan has opened its doors to foreign workers through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, a program designed to address labor shortages in industries such as construction, caregiving, and agriculture. Thousands of Myanmar workers have sought better opportunities under this scheme, hoping to earn a stable income and support their families back home. However, many of them have instead fallen victim to fraudulent recruitment agencies, hidden fees, and exploitative working conditions—leaving them trapped in mountains of debt.

This article explores how Myanmar workers are being deceived through SSW visa scams, the financial burden they face, and what can be done to protect them.

What is the SSW Visa?

Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa was introduced in 2019 to attract foreign workers for industries facing severe labor shortages. Unlike the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), which focuses on skill development, the SSW visa allows workers to directly engage in full-time employment and switch jobs within the same industry.

There are two types of SSW visas:

• SSW-1: For workers with basic industry skills; valid for up to five years but does not allow family members to join.
• SSW-2: For highly skilled workers; allows for long-term residency and family sponsorship.

With Japan's aging population and shrinking workforce, the SSW visa program was expected to be a win-win solution—helping Japan meet its labor demands while providing foreign workers with better economic opportunities.

However, scammers and unscrupulous recruitment agencies have taken advantage of the program, leaving many Myanmar workers in distress.

How Myanmar Workers Fall into the SSW Visa Scam

Many Myanmar workers seeking jobs in Japan turn to third-party recruitment agencies, believing these agencies will facilitate the visa process and connect them with high-paying jobs. However, these agencies often engage in fraudulent practices, including:

1. Excessive Recruitment Fees

Most SSW visa applicants are required to pay a recruitment fee ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. This fee is supposed to cover visa processing, Japanese language training, and job placement services. However, many agencies inflate costs and force workers to take out high-interest loans to pay these fees.

Workers who borrow money to pay recruitment fees often struggle to repay their debts, especially when they discover that their actual salaries in Japan are much lower than promised.

2. Fake Job Promises

Scammers often lure workers by exaggerating salaries and benefits. Many Myanmar workers are told they will earn between ¥200,000 to ¥300,000 ($1,500 to $2,200) per month, only to arrive in Japan and discover that their actual wages are half that amount.

Some workers are placed in different industries than what they were promised, while others are given jobs with unbearable working conditions. In extreme cases, some workers never receive a job at all after arriving in Japan.

3. Withholding of Passports and Wages

Once in Japan, some workers report that their employers or brokers confiscate their passports, making it difficult for them to leave or switch jobs. Others claim that their salaries are illegally deducted for housing, food, and "service fees," leaving them with almost no money to send home.

These unethical practices trap workers in a cycle of financial hardship, as they cannot quit their jobs without facing severe debt repayment issues.

The Impact of the SSW Visa Scams on Myanmar Workers

The consequences of these scams are devastating:

1. Severe Debt – Many Myanmar workers sell their land, take out loans, or borrow from relatives to pay recruitment fees. When their expected salaries do not materialize, they are left with no way to repay their debts.
2. Mental and Emotional Struggles – Many workers suffer from depression and anxiety due to their financial stress and poor working conditions. Some even contemplate suicide, as they feel hopeless about their situation.
3. Legal and Immigration Issues – Some workers, desperate to escape exploitative jobs, become undocumented by fleeing their employers. Without legal work status, they face deportation or exploitation by black-market employers.

How to Avoid SSW Visa Scams

To prevent falling victim to an SSW visa scam, Myanmar workers should take the following precautions:

1. Verify the Legitimacy of Recruitment Agencies

Before paying any fees, workers should check whether the recruitment agency is registered and approved by both:

• The Myanmar Ministry of Labour
• Japan’s Immigration Services Agency

Avoid agencies that demand upfront payments or refuse to provide written contracts detailing job conditions.

2. Research Job Offers Carefully

Workers should independently verify the salary, job responsibilities, and employment terms before accepting an offer. Official Japanese government websites and embassy resources provide accurate job listings and salary expectations.

3. Avoid Taking Out High-Interest Loans

Many scammers push workers to take out loans with interest rates as high as 30%, making repayment almost impossible. Workers should seek government-backed financial assistance or scholarship-based training programs instead.

4. Seek Legal Assistance

If a worker believes they are being exploited or scammed, they should immediately contact:

• The Myanmar Embassy in Japan
• Japan’s Labour Bureau or Immigration Office
• Migrant worker support NGOs

These organizations can provide legal aid, financial advice, and job transfer assistance.

What Japan Can Do to Protect Foreign Workers

Japan must take stronger measures to prevent SSW visa scams and protect foreign workers, including:

1. Stricter Regulation of Recruitment Agencies – Japan should work closely with Myanmar’s government to crack down on fraudulent agencies that exploit workers.
2. Increased Transparency in Salary and Job Listings – Employers should be required to disclose actual salary details and job conditions on government-monitored platforms.
3. Greater Protection Against Employer Exploitation – Authorities should punish companies that illegally withhold passports, underpay workers, or force them into debt traps.

By implementing these reforms, Japan can ensure that the SSW visa program remains fair and beneficial for both employers and foreign workers.

Conclusion

The SSW visa program was intended to provide Myanmar workers with a pathway to better economic opportunities. However, due to widespread scams and exploitation, many workers find themselves trapped in debt and financial hardship instead.

To protect themselves, Myanmar workers must research job offers carefully, verify recruitment agencies, and avoid high-interest loans. At the same time, Japan must increase oversight and enforcement to eliminate fraudulent recruitment practices and protect foreign laborers from exploitation.

With proper awareness, support, and government action, the SSW visa program can be a genuine opportunity for Myanmar workers to thrive—rather than a financial nightmare.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Workers should consult official government sources or legal experts before making any financial or employment decisions.