Title
Guidelines for recruitment of Filipino nurses and caregivers to Japan
Law
Poea Memorandum Circular No. 03, S. 2009
Decision Date
Jan 13, 2009
The POEA establishes guidelines for the recruitment and deployment of Filipino nurses and caregivers to Japan under a government-to-government arrangement, requiring candidates to undergo language training, pass national examinations, and meet specific qualifications for successful placement.
A

Qualifications for Candidates

Nurses:

  • Registered Nurse with 3 years hospital experience.
  • Willing to undergo full-time language training in Japan for 6 months.
  • Intent to pass Japan’s Nursing Licensure lawfully within the allowed timeframe.
  • No pending legal cases or restrictions on travel.
  • No restrictions on entry to Japan.

Caregivers:

  • Graduate of any 4-year college course with TESDA caregiver certification or nursing graduate.
  • Willingness to undergo the 6-month language training.
  • Intention to pass the caregiver national exam within Japan's legal timeline.
  • No legal or travel restrictions.
  • No entry restrictions to Japan.

Registration of Applicants

  • Qualified applicants may register online for free at the POEA website or offices.
  • Governed by Guidelines on E-registration (Advisory No. 1, Series of 2008).

Pre-Selection of Applicants

  • Only applicants with active POEA Registry profiles considered.
  • Pre-selected candidates notified via e-mail or phone.
  • Required to present and submit originals and copies of prescribed documents for validation.
  • Document submission locations specified.
  • False information or documents leads to disqualification.

Pre-Qualification of Applicants

  • Based on JPEPA criteria and document authenticity.
  • Pre-qualified applicants attend a POEA pre-recruitment briefing explaining deployment, acceptance, and pre-licensure status.
  • Inclusion in the candidate list for endorsement to JICWELS.
  • Inclusion does not guarantee employment in Japan.

Aptitude Test and Interview

  • Conducted by JICWELS with authorized representatives.
  • Hospital and caregiving institutions may participate.
  • Interviews may be video-recorded with consent.
  • Passing candidates issued ID numbers.

Medical Examination

  • Conducted at DOH-accredited clinics chosen by candidates.
  • Scope as agreed by POEA and JICWELS.
  • Candidates bear the cost.

Matching of Candidates with Japanese Institutions

  • Performed by JICWELS via a structured matching program.
  • Candidates have three attempts to be matched as per preference list.

Documentation of Matched Candidates

  • Successful matches sign bilingual employment contracts with Japanese institutions.
  • Japanese employers, through JICWELS, arrange visa processing.
  • POEA coordinates visa issuance with DFA and Japanese Embassy; candidates pay visa fees.
  • Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) by POEA covers workers’ rights, cultural orientation, airport procedures.
  • POEA coordinates Pre-paid Ticket Advice (PTA) issuance.
  • Travel Exit Pass/OEC issuance by POEA’s Government Placement Branch.

Deployment

  • Coordination among POEA, JICWELS, and POLO for smooth arrival and entry.
  • Airport assistance provided by Japanese training facilities for the initial language training.

Areas of Responsibility within POEA

  • Employment Branch: handles registration, validation, and pre-qualification.
  • ICT Branch: manages pre-selection and document validation.
  • Government Placement Branch: processes documentation and deployment, coordinates with JICWELS and POLO.

Additional Key Points

  • The framework is pursuant to the MOU between POEA and JICWELS under the JPEPA.
  • Emphasis on authenticity, legality, and candidates’ compliance with Philippine and Japanese regulations.
  • The memorandum prioritizes fair, transparent, and systematic recruitment and deployment processes.

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