60,000 Caregivers Needed in Japan

Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) announced yesterday that 60,000 caregivers are needed in Japan. It did not mention anything about expected salary however based on a report of TV patrol last year, the salary is around 70,000 or more. It was reported by Japan Times last year that the government is expecting shortage of 340,000 caregivers by 2025.   

Those who are looking for caregiver job in Japan should pass the exams in Japanese language and technical skills. They have to pass Japanese Language Proficiency Test and they must also be able to demonstrate daily conversational skills in Japanese when spoken slowly. In addition to these, a test which is yet to be established, is the evaluation of their knowledge in caregiving terminology. 

A new specialized skilled worker visa of Japan is set to be signed on March 19. Private recruitment agencies can start processing the visa of qualified foreign workers starting April 1. The new visa system is classified into two; both are valid for 5 years however the other type is for work that needs higher level skills but they have the chance to acquire immigrant status after 5 years when they finish their contract.

Currently, there are two ways for non-Japanese nationals to work as caregivers in Japan. One is to participate in a work program provided under an economic partnership agreement (EPA) and gain a certificate while working at a nursing home and the other choice is to use Japan’s Technical Intern Program. Other Asian nationals like Vietnamese and Indonesians were one of those who have been working as caregivers in Japan through these programs.

The Agency have also warned applicants to stay away from agencies claiming they are accepting applicants for this new visa.

REFERENCES:
Japan Needs 60,000 Caregivers-POEA
Fewer foreigners than expected coming to Japan to work as caregiver trainees, data shows
Foreign workers in Japanese care will need good Japanese skills