South Korea is grappling with a demographic crisis, marked by the world’s lowest fertility rate of 0.78 in 2022. Despite billions of dollars spent on incentives to encourage childbirth over the past 17 years, the birth rate continues to plummet, raising concerns about the country’s future. Recognizing the need for drastic measures, the government has introduced a new policy involving the recruitment of foreign nannies to alleviate the childcare burden on working parents, particularly those in dual-income households.
The pilot program, commencing on Tuesday, will bring in 100 Filipino nannies, with plans to increase the number to 1,200 by the first half of 2025. These carefully selected nannies, aged 24-38, possess a Caregiving National Certification Level II Certificate from the Philippine government and have undergone extensive training in childcare, housekeeping, and basic Korean language. They will be working under an E-9 visa, allowing employment in non-professional sectors, and will primarily serve Seoul residents. The program prioritizes families with children under 12, single-parent families, and households with multiple children, regardless of income level.
However, the program faces significant hurdles, with affordability being a primary concern. The cost of hiring a foreign nanny for eight hours a day is estimated at 2.38 million won per month, nearly half the average Korean household income. This has raised concerns about the accessibility of the program for average families, prompting the government to explore ways to mitigate the cost burden for individuals.
The program has also sparked criticism from labor activists and migrant rights groups. The proposed initial hiring cost of 1 million won per month was deemed inadequate by the Ministry of Employment and Labour, who set the hourly wage at 9,860 won, aligning with the national minimum wage. This decision came after strong criticism of a previous proposal to pay foreign nannies wages based on their home countries, which was seen as exploitative and violating international labor standards.
The introduction of foreign nannies is part of a broader government strategy to encourage female workforce participation, which is considered crucial to improving the birth rate. With the number of dual-income households steadily increasing, many women still leave the workforce due to childcare responsibilities. By providing more affordable childcare options, the government aims to create an environment that enables young couples to have children more easily.
Despite the potential benefits, experts have expressed concerns about the feasibility of the pilot program without addressing underlying issues. Concerns regarding illegal immigration and potential exploitation of foreign workers have been raised, with critics highlighting the lack of adequate regulations to manage the influx of foreign workers. The South Korean Labour Ministry has indicated that the program could be expanded if successful, but the outcomes of the initial six-month period will be closely evaluated before any further implementation.
The introduction of foreign nannies presents a complex solution to South Korea’s demographic crisis, carrying both potential benefits and risks. The program’s success will depend on the government’s ability to address the challenges of cost, labor rights, and the potential exploitation of foreign workers, while ensuring a fair and sustainable model for both families and the individuals providing childcare.
