Japan to implement new insurance system for relatives of Vietnamese workers

Yamanashi Prefecture recently announced information about a new insurance system established by the prefecture to support medical expenses for domestic relatives of Vietnamese people working in the prefecture.

The move is aimed at attracting more Vietnamese workers to help solve the labor shortage problem in the province.

NHK (Japan) reported that the new insurance system will start accepting applications from June. On May 24, the Yamanashi prefectural government held an online Q&A session about the new insurance system, and more than 20 companies that accept Vietnamese people in the prefecture attended.

According to a Vietnamese company using this insurance service, the new health insurance regime will help relatives such as parents or spouses currently living in the country of Vietnamese people working in the province to only have to pay 10% of the cost each time they go for medical examination and treatment.

A representative of the Yamanashi prefectural government said that for companies that support insurance premiums for new members, the prefecture will subsidize a certain amount.

Ms. Irikura Yukiko, Head of the Gender Equality and Promotion of Foreigners' Activities Division in Yamanashi Prefecture, affirmed that the provincial government wants to create an environment where Vietnamese people can work with peace of mind, thereby helping to solve the labor shortage in the province.