South Korea to extend visas for Filipino caregivers, offer higher wages

The South Korean government announced last week that it would temporarily extend the pilot program to ensure continuity for families that have employed these caregivers, citing high satisfaction levels among users.

The decision comes as the six-month pilot program, launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Employment and Labor to address the country's declining birthrate, is set to conclude on Feb. 28.

Under the revised policy, caregivers on E-9 visas will now be permitted to stay for up to 36 months, including the seven months they have already worked since arriving in August last year.

E-9 visas are granted to citizens of specific countries, primarily from South and Southeast Asia, for employment in "nonprofessional" labor roles.

Initially, individuals with E-9 visas were restricted to jobs in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and construction. However, the scope has since broadened to include Korean food restaurants, hotels, resorts, forestry, mining, and more recently to cover domestic work, such as child care and housekeeping.

Currently, 98 Filipino caregivers serve 185 households in Seoul, the Korea Herald reported.

While the government had planned to expand the program nationwide and increase the number of foreign nannies to 1,200, a December 2024 demand survey revealed limited interest outside Seoul. Only a small number of requests came from Busan and Sejong, while 14 other localities showed no demand.

Of the 98 caregivers, most are expected to remain in Seoul, while only four to seven have expressed interest in returning home.

The extension of the hiring program also comes with changes in housing and wage support.

Since arriving in August 2024, the Filipino caregivers have been required to live in shared housing in southern Seoul, where rent exceeds 510,000 won (US$355) per month, including VAT, according to the Korea Times.

Starting in March, they will have the option to find their own housing, though around 35 workers are expected to continue using the existing facility.

At the same time, caregivers' hourly wages will increase from 13,940 won to 16,800 won, reflecting additional costs for mandatory insurance and service operation fees.

To support low-income families with children under 12, the Seoul government will provide an annual 700,000-won voucher to help offset rising childcare costs.

South Korea has consistently posted the world's lowest fertility rates. The country has introduced several measures to encourage young people to marry and have children, including a one-million won ($685) incentive to couples who register their marriage in 2025 and a one-time tax deduction of 500,000 won ($349.35) per person for couples married between 2024 and 2026.