300 Filipino nurses, caregivers needed in Japan

MANILA, Philippines — Over 300 Filipino nurses and caregivers are needed in Japan, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announced yesterday.

The POEA said the Japan International Corp. of Welfare Services is looking for qualified applicants to fill vacancies for 50 “kangoshi” or nurses and 300 “kaigofukushishi” or caregivers.

The hiring of Filipino nurses and other health workers in Japan is part of the Framework for the Movement of Natural Persons under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA). 

The POEA said applicants must be a licensed nurse with at least three years experience and willing to work and study as a candidate for kangoshi to obtain a national license in Japan.

Before hiring, applicants must first complete a six-month onsite Japanese language training and must undergo on-the-job training at their respective hospitals.  

The POEA said applicants should be able to pass the licensure examination in Japan before they can work as registered nurses. They have three chances to take the nursing licensure test.

Those interested to apply as caregivers must be a graduate of any four-year course, certified caregiver by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing with or without Professional Regulation Commission license.

Applicants should complete a six-month onsite language training and work on-the-job for at least three years before taking the examination for caregivers.

The POEA said caregivers could work in Japan for an indefinite period of time if they pass the exam.

Filipino nurses and caregivers who are interested to work in Japan have until April 30 to submit their application forms and other requirements, the agency said.