The first batch of Indonesian caregivers started working Thursday at Japanese nursing facilities.
The 101 caregivers were recruited under the Japan-Indonesia economic partnership agreement concluded last July, under which Japan agreed to accept 600 caregivers and 400 nurses in two years.
The nursing care industry, chronically understaffed due to low wages and long hours, welcomes the infusion of new blood. Critics, however, are concerned the foreigners will be paid less and allow the industry to keep wages of Japanese caregivers low.
The Indonesians are being deployed at 51 nursing homes in 24 prefectures. They have studied the Japanese language and received lectures on Japanese customs since arriving here in August.
Most are Muslim, which may make it hard for them to get accustomed to Japanese culture, customs and lifestyles.
They are to be paid the same as Japanese staff.
The Indonesians are licensed to work as caregivers in their country. They will become eligible to take Japan's national qualification exams after three years of work here.
