Japan will accept up to 500 health care workers from Indonesia in the fiscal year that starts next April 1 under an economic partnership agreement, the health ministry said Tuesday.

The quota breaks down to 200 nurses and 300 nursing aides. The government has informed Indonesia of the decision, officials said.

In 2008 and 2009, Japan set the quota at 1,000 health care workers and accepted 570 from Indonesia — 277 nurses and 293 caregivers.

Japan International Corp. of Welfare Services, an affiliate of the health ministry, will seek out hospitals and nursing care facilities from across Japan willing to accept the Indonesian health care workers, the officials said.

Japan has accepted Filipino nurses and caregivers from the Philippines under a similar agreement.

While working they study for Japanese-language and medical tests to become licensed nurses and care givers.

Four of the Indonesian health care workers who entered Japan last year have returned home because of unexpected working conditions, climate or personal reasons.