Nurses Arena Forum

THE Japanese government is eyeing the possibility of easing its strict hiring rules for Filipino healthcare workers, an official said.

Japanese Foreign Ministry deputy press secretary Masaro Ohtaka admitted Japan needs more Filipino nurses and caregivers since most of those who have applied have failed to pass the requirements.

“Our current scheme is not easy, but we really do need some healthcare workers from Philippines and other countries,” Ohtaka told reporters in recent interviews. “They are looking into [relaxing hiring rules].”

But the quotas for Filipino nurses has not yet been achieved although Tokyo had already opened opportunities for Filipino nurses and caregivers to work in Japan.

This is because, he said, of Japan’s difficult requirement.

When applying for work in Japan, Filipino applicants are required to undergo a six month Preparatory Japanese Language Training and pass Nihonggo test.

“I will not be surprised if there will be tweaks here and there to allow [foreign] workers [to qualify],” Ohtaka said.

Out of 500 to 600 Filipino nurses and caregivers who apply every year, only 10 percent pass through the requirements.

The hiring of Filipino workers, mainly  nurses and caregivers, are provided under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement that was signed by both countries in 2006.

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