At the centre in Gunma prefecture. Source: VNA

This is part of a policy package approved by the Japanese Government, including a plan to set up about 100 centres of this kind to provide advices and support for foreigners in Japan. Notably, most of the centres have provided services in the Vietnamese language.

The one in Gunma prefecture, where about 5,950 Vietnamese are working and living, is a case in point.

Established in June 2019 and officially becoming operational on July 1, the centre is now providing consultation services in Vietnamese and four other languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese.

Director of the centre Tatsuya Koase told Vietnam News Agency that Gunma is home to many foreigners who often face many difficulties due to cultural differences, adding that through the centre’s services, foreigners will be consulted on essential issues such as procedures for residence registration, employment, education, social welfare, and medical care.

Previously, speaking at a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam on October 4, Ichita Yamamoto, Governor of Gunma prefecture affirmed that foreigners in general and the Vietnamese community in particular has become an important part of the socio-economic development of the prefecture.

Local authority always attaches great importance to how Vietnamese people and other foreigners can live and study more comfortably in the prefecture, the official added./.

VNF/VNA