KATHMANDU: Questions have been raised about the transparency of the language test for Nepali workers preparing to leave for Japan.
The JICA Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) has been conducting language exams for workers preparing to fly to Japan through registered recruitment companies. These companies have been saying that aspirant workers are beginning to question the transparency of the language test.
According to officials of the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), workers are failing as many as five times.
The government designated JAAN to conduct language tests for workers heading to Japan 14 years ago. JAAN has been conducting the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 level for aspirant workers.
Megh Nath Bhurtel, the general secretary of the Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies, said aspirant workers have been raising questions about the transparency of JAAN’s language test. “The number of workers heading to Japan is increasing. However, workers have not been able to fly to Japan, despite having a visa, for failing language tests,” Bhurtel said. “Examinees are raising concerns about the transparency of language test.”
Gurudutta Subedi, a director at the DoFE, also said recruitment agencies have been complaining about candidates repeatedly failing the Japanese language test. “JAAN officials have told us that participants are failing due to their weaknesses. We are discussing the issue with JAAn,” Subedi said. “This problem will be resolved soon.”
JAAN charges examinees Rs 3,200 for language tests. More than 200 Nepalis participate in the exam every month. Only about 60% of them pass the examination.
Candidates, who fail the language test, must wait 15 days to retake the test. However, recruitment agencies say this is not a requirement in Japanese regulations. Candidates can retake the test within three days.
Aspirant workers must leave for Japan within three months of receiving the visa. Workers heading to Japan through recruitment agencies must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N5 level.
JAAN President Ram Chandra Bhusal, however, stated that they are conducting language tests according to government standards and that there are no issues. “JAAN does not deliberately fail any candidate. We have skilled language teachers who teach and conduct tests transparently,” he said. Bhusal added that failed candidates do not need to pay the fee again.
Officials of the DoFE said recruitment agencies are pressing to allow other institutions to conduct the language test, citing a lack of transparency in language tests.
More than 300 Nepalis are leaving for Japan every month through recruitment agencies and on individual visas.
