QuestionsQuestions (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 03, S. 2009)
It is anchored on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the POEA and JICWELS signed on 12 January 2009, under the JPEPA (Economic Partnership Agreement framework) for the Movement of Natural Persons between the Philippines and Japan.
The number is based on the actual vacancies informed by the Government of Japan.
Candidate-nurses and candidate-caregivers must initially complete a full-time 6-month language and culture training in Japan at a designated government facility before starting on-the-job training with the respective hospital/caregiving institution.
For nurses (Kangoshi), within three (3) years; for caregivers (Kaigofukushishi), within four (4) years (with at least three (3) years work experience before taking the exam once on the 4th year of stay).
Nurse-candidates shall have three (3) chances to pass the examination.
Caregiver-candidates need at least three (3) years work experience before taking the examination once on the 4th year of stay, as indicated by the circular.
POEA shortlists based on minimum qualifications under JPEPA and may use additional criteria. Endorsement to JICWELS is for up to 1.2 times the number that can enter Japan in a particular year.
Endorsement is first-come-first-served, subject to submission of complete and authentic documentary requirements.
They must be a registered nurse; have three (3) years hospital experience; be willing to undergo 6-month Japanese language training in Japan; be willing to take the Nursing Licensure of Japan within the allowed period; have no pending criminal/administrative cases or restrictions preventing travel; and not be restricted from entering Japan.
They must be a graduate of any four-year college course and certified caregiver by TESDA or a graduate of a nursing course; be willing to undergo 6-month Japanese language training in Japan; be willing to take the national examination within the allowed time; have no pending criminal/administrative cases or restrictions preventing travel; and not be restricted from entering Japan.
Applicants may register online at www.poea.gov.ph or at all POEA offices with online registration facilities. Registration is free of charge and governed by POEA e-registration guidelines (Advisory No. 1, s. 2008).
They are disqualified from the registry and from application under the program.
Pre-selection comes from applicants with active POEA registry profiles for pre-screening/validation. Pre-qualification evaluates whether they meet JPEPA candidate criteria and whether submitted documents are complete and authentic.
They are included in the list of candidates (Kangoshi or Kaigofukushishi) for endorsement to JICWELS.
No. Inclusion does not guarantee employment at a hospital or caregiving facility in Japan.
JICWELS conducts an aptitude test and interview (with joint session of all candidates; hospitals/care institutions may participate). JICWELS also performs the matching of candidates with Japanese hospitals/caregiving institutions using a matching program.
They undergo a medical examination with a DOH-accredited clinic (they shoulder the cost). After passing, they are matched with Japanese institutions and then document the outcome through signing of an employment contract.