MANILA – South Korea needs more caregivers and is keen on hiring Filipinos for the job.
This is what South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa told reporters during the sidelines of the National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Korea celebrations in Taguig City recently.
According to Lee, discussions are ongoing to discuss how South Korea can hire Filipino caregivers in medical facilities in the country amidst its growing aging population.
“I have been meeting frequently with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that we are interested in sending caregivers to Korea”, Lee added.
The envoy also mentioned that Filipino caregivers have a “high reputation” and a “good reputation” worldwide, and if the talks will be successful would be a win-win partnership for the two countries.
At present, there is still no agreement regarding sending caregivers to South Korea and this issue is still in the discussion stage.
According to Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, “the said discussions will fall under the direct purview of DMW”.
De Vega adds that as of the moment, there are a few Filipino caregivers working in Korea and mainly fall under a “special category” or are working for diplomats.
Ambassador Lee stated that the target is to send “around a 100” Filipino caregivers before the year ends.
According to reports, nursing and care facilities in South Korea have been facing shortage of caregivers, with the country having the fastest aging population and the lowest birth rate in the world.
It is projected that by 2025 the ratio of people 65 years old and above will be 20% of the total population.
