About 25% of foreign female technical intern trainees in Japan were told to quit their jobs upon becoming pregnant [1].

These findings highlight systemic vulnerabilities for migrant workers under Japan's labor programs. The pressure to resign suggests that some employers prioritize immediate productivity over the legal protections afforded to pregnant employees.

The data comes from a government survey released in August 2026 [1]. The report indicates that one in four women in these programs experienced forced-resignation remarks related to their pregnancy [1]. These workers are primarily employed under the Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker program.

Employers allegedly view pregnancy as a barrier to productivity. According to report data, companies seek to avoid the costs associated with childcare support, and maternity leave [1], [2].

Legal action has already begun to address these practices. In 2026, a Tokyo court ordered an employer to pay compensation to a victim of forced resignation [3]. The ruling establishes a legal precedent against the practice of coercing pregnant trainees to leave their positions.

One Filipino woman who experienced these pressures spoke out about her situation. She said she wanted to raise her voice for other women facing similar circumstances.

Japan continues to rely on foreign labor to fill gaps in its workforce. However, the disparity between official labor protections and the actual experiences of female trainees remains a point of contention. The Technical Intern Training Program has faced long-standing criticism for creating power imbalances that leave workers susceptible to abuse by employers [1], [2].

“One in four foreign female technical intern trainees experienced forced‑resignation remarks related to pregnancy.”

This situation underscores a gap between Japan's national labor laws and the operational reality of its migrant worker programs. While the 2026 court ruling provides a mechanism for individual redress, the 25% figure suggests that forced resignation is a widespread management tactic rather than an isolated incident. As Japan expands its Specified Skilled Worker program to combat labor shortages, the government faces pressure to ensure that pregnancy and maternity rights are enforced for non-citizens to prevent systemic workplace discrimination.