Japan to hire Pinoy nurses, caregivers

CEBU, Philippines - After the global financial crisis reportedly affected industries, with some countries stopping their hiring of workers including nurses and caregivers, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration announced that the second batch of recruitment for nurses and caregivers to Japan would start soon.

POEA-7 officer-in-charge Evelia Durato said that a number of Filipinos, including those from the Central Visayas region are working in Japan as nurses and more are still interested to apply for work there.

Under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, applicants who meet the education and work experience required should establish their determination and personal circumstances to complete the six-month Japanese language training prior to working and taking the licensure or national examinations.

Two hundred eighty-three Filipino nurses and caregivers for Japan who belonged to the first batch were deployed this year and are now undergoing the on the job training in hospitals where they are assigned and in different caregiving institutions in the foreign country. They have already completed the six-month language training.

The pre-employment orientation will commence soon for qualified applicants who have registered online in the site, www.poea.gov.ph and has continued their active status through the POEA e-registration site.

Durato said that this is a good opportunity for the interested and qualified applicants and that they are inviting the licensed nurses who have at least three years of work experience to apply for the vacancies. Caregivers who have completed a four-year college course with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority NC certified caregiver, and graduates of a nursing course is also encouraged to apply.

Aside from these qualifications, medical and psychological tests should also be taken for the assurance that the applicant is safe to work as well to ensure that they have no impediment to travel to Japan and they have a valid passport. Applicants who also have a level of Japanese language proficiency may also be exempted from the onsite six-month language training and proceed directly to the on-the-job training.

Recruitment of nurses and caregivers under JPEPA is made through POEA with the Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services. — AJ de la Torre/WAB (THE FREEMAN)