Imphal: The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, on Thursday interacted with candidates of the Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) programme, who are preparing for the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) test to be conducted in Japan, a Lok Bhavan communique stated.
The interaction was held at Lok Bhavan, Imphal.
The SSW programme was introduced by the Government of Japan in April 2019 as a residency status, allowing Indian youth to work and reside in Japan.
The Memorandum of Cooperation between India and Japan for the implementation of the “Specified Skilled Worker” programme was signed in January 2021.
During a brief meeting, the Governor interacted with candidates and their parents from various districts of Manipur, including Ukhrul, Senapati, Imphal East and West, Thoubal, and an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) from Churachandpur.
These candidates have completed the Japanese language test and a skills proficiency test. They will travel to Japan to work in sectors such as nursing, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Thirteen candidates have been approved for the CoE and will travel to Japan later this month.
The candidates expressed their excitement and appreciation for the opportunity. The Governor extended his best wishes, expressing hope that they would perform well, uphold the values and culture of Manipur and India, and serve as ambassadors of goodwill while working in Japan.
Additionally, Manipur and Japan share a deep, complex bond primarily rooted in the Battle of Imphal, locally called Japan Laan, during World War II.
This history fosters remembrance, cultural exchange, and modern cooperation, with Japan contributing through initiatives such as the Imphal Peace Museum, tourism, education, and acknowledgment of the shared history of suffering and loss, linking the people of both nations through this tragic yet formative past.