As Japan faces challenges with the aging population, the country has recently joined the roster of nations actively seeking healthcare personnel from other countries. The country is actively welcoming skilled caregivers and nurses from India.
To make up for the high demand of nurses, Japan has predominantly relied on nurses from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam in the job market for caregivers. However, Indian nurses and trained medical professionals are now making their entry into this market as well.
Moreover, Japan is currently grappling with aging population with over 20 per cent of its citizens being over 65 years old. The working-age population has also been declining steadily, hence to address this demographic challenge, the Japanese government has implemented measures like the technical intern training program (TITP), aimed at encouraging the acceptance of foreign workers who can gain valuable skills and knowledge by working as technical interns in Japan.
One of the primary reasons driving the Indian workforce to Japan are the salaries. The workforce is getting eight to ten times higher than what they receive in India. Additionally, Japan offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge medical technology for assisted care, and the ability to save anywhere between Rs 40,000 to Rs 1 lakh a month.
Furthermore, for Indian caregivers, Japan has introduced a three-year visa, which can be extended for an additional two years. However, those caregivers who wish to continue working in Japan after this five-year period must pass language and nursing tests as part of the requirements. Additionally, the workers get the freedom to cook in their own apartments along with enjoying the country’s beautiful surroundings and gentle culture.
As per data from health ministry, Japan has turned into the most chosen foreign country for every one in eight nurses. Approximately 88,000 Indian nurses are employed in developed nations that are part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Moreover, Indian nurses make up 8.3 per cent of the foreign-trained nursing workforce in the U.S. and 8 per cent in Singapore.
