Seoul’s Domestic Worker Program: Addressing Low Birthrates with Filipino Help

In a dramatic effort to tackle its declining birthrate and alleviate the strain on working parents, Seoul is embarking on a new initiative by importing domestic workers from the Philippines. Announced in September 2022, this pilot project is set to bring 100 Filipino domestic workers to South Korea, with the program officially kicking off last September 2023. Modelled after similar initiatives in Singapore and Hong Kong, the project aims to support Korean families and address the country’s ageing population.

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Mixed reactions with Seoul’s domestic worker program

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon proposed this ambitious plan to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, seeking to provide affordable childcare solutions for dual-income families, families with multiple children, and single-parent households. The initiative comes as a response to South Korea’s troublingly low birthrate and the growing need for caregiving support. However, the program has not been without its controversies.

One of the main points of contention revolves around the wages of these foreign domestic workers. The proposed wage for Filipino workers is set at an average of ₱50,166.16 (₩1.19 million) per month. This amount includes necessary indirect costs such as social insurance. For families needing full-time care, costs could double to approximately ₱100,332.32 (₩2.38 million) per month, raising questions about affordability and value. Critics argue that this wage does not align with South Korea’s minimum wage of ₱415.67 (₩9,860) per hour, leading to heated debates about fair compensation.

The program has also faced criticism from labour and women’s groups, who argue that it undermines domestic work and perpetuates gender inequality. They contend that the initiative could lead to discrimination against foreign caregivers and devalue essential household labour. The Philippine ambassador to South Korea, Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega, has stressed the importance of adhering to international labour standards, highlighting the need for fair treatment of the Filipino workers.

Despite the criticism, the South Korean government is committed to expanding the program. Plans are in place to increase the number of Filipino domestic workers to 500 by next year and to 1,000 by 2028. However, the effectiveness of this strategy in reversing South Korea’s low birthrate and addressing the caregiving shortage remains uncertain.

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While the pilot project aims to provide much-needed support for Korean families, its success will depend on its ability to balance fair wages, cultural integration, and its impact on the country’s demographic challenges. As Seoul moves forward with this initiative, it will be closely watched to see if it can effectively address the issues it was designed to solve.

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