Convergence and divergence in immigration policy in northeast Asian countries

In this paper, I attempt to examine and compare the progress and characteristics of immigration policy of Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Main argument is as follows. The three Northeast Asian countries showed convergence in immigration policy, especially in foreign migrant worker policy, in the late 1980s and early 1990s because of urgent economic interests and the lack of experience in dealing with foreigners. Japan and South Korea implemented the trainee system under which foreign migrant workers entered and worked as trainees although they performed similar work as native workers. In the mid 2000s, however, South Korea achieved significant reforms in immigration policy such as granting the rights of workers to foreign migrant workers and supporting marriage immigrants and their children. Taiwan made improvements in the protection of migrant workers and support of marrige immigrants. By contrast, Japan have remained inactive and passive in immigration policy reform. These differences among the three countries are explained by the presense or absence of policy alliance between the government and civil society. When progressive government and civil society join their forces together, they can achieve reforms in immigration policy more quickly.