Tokyo Immigration Bureau Issues Business Improvement Order to Châteraisé Over Unpaid Leave Allowances for Specified Skilled Workers — Company Working on Preventive Measures

1,000個限定の「Xmas ジュエルフレーズ」税込み16,200円 — “Xmas Jewel Fraise” Christmas cake released last year (Photo by editorial team)

On May 2, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau issued a business improvement order to the confectionery chain “Châteraisé” (operated by Châteraisé Co., Ltd.) for failing to pay leave allowances to foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program. In response, Châteraisé announced on its official website that it is currently addressing the affected individuals and implementing measures to prevent future recurrence.

The bureau pointed out that Châteraisé failed to provide the required allowances to Specified Skilled Workers during their leave periods and had not properly established a system to ensure the continued fulfillment of employment contracts under the Specified Skilled Worker framework. As a result, the company was found to have neglected necessary measures to improve its overall management and operations.

Châteraisé commented, “Since the issue was identified in May of last year, we have been progressively addressing the situation concerning the affected Specified Skilled Workers and implementing the necessary measures to prevent recurrence. We will continue to thoroughly execute the preventive measures already put in place, including further reviewing our policies and guidelines regarding the employment of Specified Skilled Workers and strengthening our internal oversight. Under the guidance of the authorities, we are committed to building a compliance structure aligned with relevant laws and the intent of the Specified Skilled Worker program.”

This business improvement order follows a previous warning from the Japan Fair Trade Commission, marking yet another blow to the company. It’s a case of misfortune piling on, but one can only hope for a swift recovery of public trust.