Ministry of Employment and Labor and Seoul Metropolitan Government Pilot project for Filipino housekeepers
Expanded to 1,200 people next year… Additional E-9 Country Review
The authorities’ move to introduce foreign housekeepers not only in the Philippines but also in other countries has been detected.
According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor on the 5th, the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Seoul Metropolitan Government are considering expanding the sending countries of foreign housekeepers, currently limited to the Philippines, to Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, etc.
The two organizations, which are the subjects of the Philippine housekeeper pilot project, brought in 100 foreign housekeepers with E-9 (Employment Permit System) status from the Philippines last September. It is part of the government’s plan to overcome low birth rates. The purpose is to reduce child care costs.
An official from the Ministry of Employment and Labor said, “We are looking to see if there are any E-9 countries that can be added,” and “We are reviewing it internally.”
However, he added, “No decision has yet been made as to which countries it will expand to.”
Currently, the nationalities of E-9 foreign workers introduced into Korea are 16 countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Nepal, and Myanmar.
With the government announcing that it will increase the number of foreign housekeepers to 1,200 by next year, its stance to diversify sending countries has been confirmed.
Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo said on the KBS Sunday Diagnosis on the 3rd, “We will change the direction of the system by expanding it not only to the Philippines but also to other countries so that more housekeepers can come.”
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also said at the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee audit held at Seoul City Hall on the 15th of last month, “There is a need to select multiple Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia and introduce a competition system or make various changes to consider what is appropriate for the situation. “He said.
However, the two organizations appear to have conflicting opinions regarding the wage level of foreign housekeepers.
Currently, Philippine housekeeper services are classified into 4 hours, 6 hours, and 8 hours per day. Assuming they work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, the cost is 2.38 million won per month. Based on 4 hours a day, it is 1.19 million won per month.
The city of Seoul is considering a plan to set wages below the minimum wage, saying it has strayed from its original purpose of lowering care costs. On the other hand, the Ministry of Employment and Labor maintains its position that wage discrimination is impossible, saying that it is contrary to the Labor Standards Act and the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Maria Castillo, Labor Migration Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Castillo! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s recent initiative regarding foreign housekeepers in South Korea. Can you start by explaining the significance of this pilot project and its potential impact on the population?
Dr. Castillo: Thank you for having me! The pilot project is significant as it addresses two pressing issues: South Korea’s low birth rate and rising childcare costs. By introducing foreign housekeepers, the government aims to alleviate some of the domestic burdens on families, thus encouraging them to have more children. It’s a strategic move to not only mitigate current challenges but also to pave the way for long-term demographic sustainability.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. The initiative expands beyond the Philippines to potentially include countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Why do you think these particular countries are being considered, and what does it say about labor migration trends?
Dr. Castillo: The choice of these countries aligns with regional migration patterns. Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia have well-established labor migration frameworks and a history of sending workers abroad, particularly to East Asia. This project reflects a broader trend where countries seek reliable labor sources to fill domestic gaps. It’s also a response to economic conditions in these countries, where families often seek opportunities abroad for better financial stability.
Editor: Interesting! We’ve seen that the pilot project began with 100 housekeepers under the E-9 visa status. From your perspective, how effective do you think this pilot project will be in attracting a sufficient number of workers, and what challenges might arise?
Dr. Castillo: The initial phase with 100 workers is a solid start, but attracting more workers will depend on several factors, including the perceived benefits of working in South Korea compared to the conditions in their home countries. Challenges may arise, such as integration into Korean society, language barriers, and ensuring fair working conditions. Proper support systems for these workers will be crucial for the project’s success.
Editor: Speaking of integration and support, what measures do you think the government should implement to facilitate a smooth transition for these foreign workers into the South Korean job market?
Dr. Castillo: It’s essential to provide orientation programs that cover cultural norms, language training, and employment rights. Additionally, establishing a support network with community organizations can help these workers navigate their new environment. Legal protections must also be in place to safeguard against exploitation and discrimination.
Editor: The Ministry has indicated that they are reviewing other E-9 countries for potential expansion. What criteria should they consider when selecting these countries to ensure a successful integration process?
Dr. Castillo: They should assess the existing migration agreements, the skill levels of workers, and cultural compatibility with South Korean society. Moreover, reviewing the economic conditions in the potential source countries and the support systems they can provide will be vital. Engaging with stakeholder groups in these countries, such as labor organizations and governments, would foster stronger partnerships and a smoother transition.
Editor: what broader implications do you see this project having on labor migration policies in South Korea and potentially in other countries facing similar demographic challenges?
Dr. Castillo: This project could serve as a model for other nations grappling with low birth rates and labor shortages. If successful, it may encourage more countries to adopt similar policies, thus reshaping labor migration frameworks globally. The interplay between demographic needs and labor market dynamics is complex, and this initiative could kickstart a re-evaluation of how countries approach foreign labor.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Castillo, for sharing your insights today. Your expertise sheds light on the intricacies of this important issue, and we look forward to seeing how this pilot project evolves.
Dr. Castillo: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing these crucial topics with you.