Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 03, S. 2009)
The Memorandum Circular provides guidelines for the recruitment and deployment of Filipino nurses (Kangoshi) and caregivers (Kaigofukushishi) to Japan under a government-to-government arrangement pursuant to the Economic Partnership Agreement of the Philippines and Japan (JPEPA).
The number of candidates allowed is based on the actual number of vacancies informed by the Government of Japan.
They must complete a six-month full-time Japanese language and culture training at a designated government training facility in Japan before starting their on-the-job training.
Candidate-nurses must be registered nurses with three years hospital experience, willing to undergo language training and take the Japanese nursing licensure within the allowable time, have no pending cases or travel restrictions, and not be restricted from entering Japan.
They must be graduates of a four-year college course and certified caregivers by TESDA or graduates of nursing courses, must undergo language training, pass the Japanese national examination for caregivers, and must not have any restrictions or pending cases preventing travel.
Applicants may register online through the POEA website or at POEA offices with online registration facilities, and registration is free of charge.
Candidate-nurses must present their bio-data/resume, valid passport, NBI clearance, college diploma, transcript of records, PRC ID, PRC Board Certificate, PRC Board Rating, employment certificates, training/skills certificates, and optionally a Japanese language proficiency certificate.
The applicant shall be disqualified from the registry and from applying under this recruitment program.
JICWELS authorized representatives conduct the aptitude test and interview, and candidates who pass are issued an ID number and proceed to medical examinations and matching with Japanese institutions.
The GPB handles documentation, processing, issuance of travel exit passes, and deployment of candidates in coordination with JICWELS and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).
Matching is done by JICWELS using a designed matching program, giving each candidate three chances to be matched according to their order of preference for accepting institutions.
Selected candidates sign employment contracts with Japanese institutions, and visas are processed with the help of JICWELS and POEA. Candidates also undergo a pre-departure orientation seminar and receive a prepaid ticket advice and travel exit clearance (OEC).
They will not qualify as registered Kangoshi or certified Kaigofukushishi as required by Japanese laws and will likely be ineligible to continue employment under the agreement.