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Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Change in S. Korean government leaves foreign domestic worker programme in limbo
The programme drew concerns ranging from job scope and oversight to worker protection and cost. PHOTO: EPA-EFE SEOUL - South Korea's pilot programme for overseas domestic workers is now hanging in the balance, with no clear path forward after months of delays, labour disputes, and a new administration that had voiced skepticism about the system in the past. The Ministry of Employment and Labour had pledged to finalise a long-term version for the programme by mid-2025, but nothing has been put forward. Vice-Labour Minister and acting Minister Kim Min-seok said on June 15 that it 'won't be easy' to expand beyond the pilot programme within June . Launched in September 2024, the initiative aimed to ease pressure on working parents by hiring 100 trained domestic workers from the Philippines to assist with child care and housework in Seoul. It was framed as a response to South Korea's record-low birthrate and the growing strain on dual-income families. The project gained support from former president Yoon Suk Yeol, but it now faces uncertainty following his removal in April. His successor, Mr Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, assumed office on June 4, representing a party that has consistently raised concerns about the initiative. Filipino caretaker system face criticism over cost, labour issues From the beginning, the programme drew concerns ranging from job scope and oversight to worker protection and cost. South Korea is a signatory to international labour agreements that require countries to give foreign workers the same minimum wage rights as Korean workers. That pushed the initial the service fee to 13,940 won per hour (S$13), including the minimum wage, insurance and other mandatory costs. As of 2025, that rate has risen to 16,800 won. Critics argue the high service fees means the programme is only accessible to high-income households. According to city data, 43 per cent of applications came from just three of Seoul's wealthiest districts: Gangnam, Seocho and Songpa. The city government has also faced mounting issues from workers themselves. Some reported delayed wages, while others said they were asked to perform duties not covered by their contracts, such as pet care, English tutoring, or visiting employers' extended families. It was alleged last week that the two workers deported for leaving their posts were subject to severe exploitation during their stay here. Allegations included excessive working hours and the authorities' refusal to address the issue. The ministry denied the claims in an official statement. In May, Vice-Labor Minister Kim acknowledged the challenges, saying satisfaction among participating families was high at 84 per cent, but wage issues and unclear employment boundaries remained unresolved. Labour groups, including the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions, have called for a pause and full review of the programme. 'There are still serious issues with delayed wages, unclear job descriptions, and a lack of proper oversight,' the group said after the government announced a one-year extension of the pilot in February. In 2023, Democratic Party spokesperson Lee So-young also criticised the underlying logic of such programmes, arguing that foreign domestic workers haven't improved birthrates in places like Hong Kong and Singapore. Despite the political headwinds, the domestic workers currently in Korea are expected to stay because their employment permits have been extended through early 2026. 'Even if this programme ends, those with renewed contracts can keep working as domestic helpers, and in principle, they may be reassigned to other service jobs like hotels or restaurants within the permitted sectors,' a Labour Ministry official said. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
South China Morning Post
12-02-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Seoul's Filipino carer programme faces uncertainty amid private sector take over
Published: 6:18pm, 12 Feb 2025 The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Employment and Labour will hand over the operation of the Filipino carer programme to the private sector starting in March, following the completion of a six-month pilot phase that received mixed reviews. Launched last year, the pilot programme was initially expected to expand nationwide in the first half of this year to alleviate child care burdens in light of South Korea 's declining birth rate by providing foreign caregiving workers to local households. However, lukewarm responses from local governments outside Seoul, coupled with concerns over high costs, had put those plans on hold. While the trial period is set to end this month, a city official confirmed that ongoing services for taking part households will continue. As the labour ministry has not yet decided whether to expand the initiative into a full-scale programme, private operators are expected to take over the service for the time being. Meanwhile, concerns are growing over potential higher fees as the Filipino carer programme transitions to private management. Seoul's Filipino carer programme, launched to address South Korea's declining birth rate, faces uncertainty as it transitions to private management. Photo: EPA-EFE/YONHAP Recently, companies managing Filipino carers notified users of a planned hourly rate hike from 13,940 won to 16,900 won (US$9.61 to US$11.63) starting on March 1. However, they later withdrew the decision after facing backlash. The labour ministry also clarified that the final service fee has yet to be determined.
