The Mie Prefectural Government is considering halting the hiring of foreign nationals amid growing concerns over the protection of sensitive information.
Officials said the review is driven by fears of potential leaks involving agricultural production data and residents’ personal details.
Particular concern has been raised over China’s national intelligence law, which obliges Chinese citizens to cooperate with state intelligence agencies.
Prefectural officials believe this legal obligation could pose risks when handling confidential government information.
The issue was formally discussed by officials on Wednesday as part of an internal security review.
The prefecture plans to conduct a public opinion survey in late January before reaching a final decision.
Local residents will be asked to share their views on whether foreign nationals should continue to be eligible for public sector roles.
Mie removed most nationality requirements for government jobs in fiscal 1999 to encourage broader participation in society.
Since then, all but a small number of job categories have been opened to foreign applicants.
Currently, 44 out of 49 occupational categories in the prefectural government are accessible to foreign nationals.
These roles include posts within the governor’s department and other administrative offices.
The prefecture has so far hired nine foreign nationals across various professions.
Among them are medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.
At present, only one foreign national remains employed, working in the medical sector.
Officials said this employee would be retained even if nationality requirements are reinstated.
The possible policy shift would mark a significant reversal of more than two decades of inclusive hiring practices.
Mie officials stressed that the review does not reflect dissatisfaction with foreign workers’ performance.
Instead, they said the focus is strictly on safeguarding confidential information held by public institutions.
The debate comes amid heightened scrutiny of data security across Japan’s public sector.
Other local governments are also reassessing how sensitive information is managed.
According to the prefectural government, 12 prefectures nationwide currently allow foreign nationals to sit public sector employment exams.
Mie is among this limited group that has broadly opened its civil service to non-Japanese applicants.
Any change in policy could influence similar discussions in other regions.
Experts note the decision could affect Japan’s efforts to attract global talent.
Business groups have warned that restrictive policies may discourage skilled foreign professionals.
Supporters argue national security concerns must take precedence.
The prefecture said it will carefully balance openness with security obligations.
A final decision is expected after public feedback is reviewed.