Japan to open doors to Filipino housekeepers

Though details have yet to be ironed out, President Benigno Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed during a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Summit last week that Filipinos would be allowed to apply for household workers' jobs in Japan.

"We requested on the side of Philippines that they also prepare necessary system so that it will be smoothly implemented," said Japanese press secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura said in a Monday report on GMA 7 news program “24 Oras”.

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) deputy administrator Atty. Jeriel Domingo said that there would be no educational requirement for Filipino housekeepers in Japan. But they should undergo training for six months with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). They also need to learn how to speak Japanese.

Filipino housekeepers in Japan will be expected to be stay-out workers. Their salary will be around $1,500 or around P66,000 every month, which is equal to the Japanese minimum wage. On top of this, domestic helpers will also receive benefits. — Trisha Macas/DVM, GMA News