The Pitfalls of Skilled Migration Policies in Japan:

Institutional Isomorphism and Reality

Abstract

While the expansion of the knowledge economy still requires skilled migrants, a rise in nationalism has been gradually leading many countries to adopt more restrictive immigration policies. In the case of Japan, however, the government has further developed skilled migration policies due to the population aging and labor shortage. In 2012, the points-based preferential immigration treatment for highly skilled foreign professionals or the so-called “points system” was introduced to promote skilled migration by providing qualified workers with various incentives. Partly because of these policy initiatives, the number of skilled migrants has been growing. Nevertheless, this figure is limited compared with the numbers in other industrialized countries, as many skilled migrants leave Japan after several years.

Why does the number of skilled migrants in Japan remain small, and why do many of them leave the country after a short while? Building on the concept of institutional isomorphism (DiMaggio & Powell 1983), this paper analyzes why mimetic isomorphism has not brought about a convergence in outcome by addressing “non-migration policies” and “hidden agendas in migration policies” (Castles 2004). It also points out the implications and challenges of Japan's skilled migration by reviewing new policy developments, such as the regionalization of immigration through the National Strategic Special Zones. It concludes by presenting some future research agendas.