Career Formation for Workers from Abroad in the Caregiving and Nursing Fields

Abstract

In recent years, the reception of workers in the caregiving and nursing fields has greatly accelerated. In particular, the routes to employment as caregivers in Japan have become more diverse and complex: Japan has entered into Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) that make provisions for Certified Care Worker Candidates, established a Care Worker Residence Status, added Care Worker to the employment fields covered by the Technical Intern Training Program, and has also made provision for caregiving under the Specified Skill Worker Residence Status. This paper first provides an overview of these provisions, and of the career paths that they enable for workers. Then it presents the results of interviews conducted with former EPA Nurse and Certified Care Worker Candidates, elucidating the actual state of their career formation and how they think about their careers. In conclusion, the paper points out problems with these provisions and social issues that emerged from these interviews, and makes suggestions for improvements.