Seoul, South Korea’s capital, is implementing an innovative pilot program aimed at easing the child care burden for parents and addressing the country’s declining birthrate. Under this initiative, the Seoul government plans to hire 100 foreign domestic workers from Southeast Asia to assist households in providing child care services. The move comes as a response to the growing demand for affordable child care options for double-income households, single parents, and families with multiple children.
To ensure the selection of qualified candidates, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has established strict guidelines for the recruitment process. The migrant domestic workers will be evaluated based on their career experience, knowledge, and language skills. Their criminal records and background checks will also be thoroughly examined. Eligible applicants must be over 23 years old and will be granted an E-9 non-professional employment visa for entry into the country.
Among the 16 countries in Southeast Asia, workers from the Philippines are considered the top candidates for the positions. These foreign workers will be distributed through certified agencies under the supervision of the Labor Ministry. As part of the program, their hourly minimum wage will be set at a lower rate than the current 15,000 won to alleviate the financial burden on parents.
However, the announcement of the pilot program has sparked debates and concerns among various groups. Critics argue that Korea may face challenges similar to those experienced by Singapore and Hong Kong, which have long allowed foreign workers as domestic helpers. The language barrier and cultural differences pose potential obstacles, with some parents expressing hesitancy in entrusting their children to foreigners from different backgrounds. Additionally, questions arise regarding the affordability of these workers, as they would be entitled to a minimum wage of over 2 million won per month.
Amidst these objections, 35 non-governmental organizations opposing the program gathered in front of the Labor Ministry’s office, citing worries about the exploitation of foreign labor and undervaluation of domestic care services. These organizations argue that the program may fail to deliver productive results in raising the national birthrate, as evidenced by low fertility rates in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Nevertheless, proponents argue that the urgency of addressing the declining birthrate and the increasing demand for child-rearing services outweigh these concerns. Changes in societal dynamics have led to a decrease in the number of domestic workers in Korea, with the majority being over 50 years old. The pilot program aims to bridge this gap by providing opportunities for foreign workers to fulfill the rising demand for housekeeping and child care services in the country.
To further support the workforce in different industries, the Labor Ministry has also announced plans to expand the number of foreign workers. The total quota for working visas has been increased to 120,000, up from last year’s 110,000, allowing mid-sized enterprises, delivery jobs, and ground handling jobs at airports to hire foreigners under the E-9 visa. Additionally, the quota for skilled professionals under the E-7-4 visa has expanded to 35,000.
As Seoul pioneers this pilot program, the outcomes will shed light on the effectiveness and feasibility of introducing migrant domestic workers to alleviate the child care burden. This initiative not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by families but also reflects the broader issue of South Korea’s falling birthrate. The success of this program has the potential to shape future policies aimed at strengthening the country’s social infrastructure and supporting working parents.
