Japan opens the door for nurses

Source: Agencies  |   2008-8-8  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

JAPAN accepted more than 200 Indonesian nurses into the country yesterday, an unprecedented move as Tokyo struggles to quell a labor shortage triggered by sinking fertility rates.

The arrival of 205 Indonesians, an exception allowed under a bilateral economic agreement signed with Jakarta in April, signaled a loosening of immigration procedures in a country where many people equate foreigners with social disorder.

The Indonesians, all registered nurses in their homeland, will work as assistants while training for Japanese certification.

"The program opens the door for them to stay here and work in those professions as long as they pass Japan's national test," said Haruhiro Jono, an official at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Japan has come under increasing pressure in recent years to accept more immigrant workers, particularly since the total population began to decline in 2005.

Many worry there will not be enough workers to support the growing elderly population.

Yesterday's arrivals marked the first time Japan had allowed foreigners to enter the country specifically to work in the nursing profession.