Petina, only a couple of years ago I saw on the news a story about Chinese workers being brought into Japan on special visas. The crux of the story related to the ill treatment, underpayment and I think the death of one of the Chinese workers. If I have time I might try to find some details.
One more thing, it is not unusual for governments to have a visa in place for foreign workers.
Australia brings in many people as needed under temporary visas for jobs in manufacture (welders and other trades in short supply locally at any given time) Please remember, these are short term visas usually running a year. If the job ends sooner the visa holder can find themself on a plane home sooner than expected.