India's Caregivers to Fill Japan's Elder Care Gap

Japan is increasingly looking to India to supply much-needed caregivers, aiming to alleviate shortages in its elder care sector. Companies like Sompo Care Inc. are investing in training Indian professionals, providing them with Japanese language and caregiving skills to achieve national qualifications. This program facilitates their transition to Japan on specified skilled worker visas, fostering long-term careers.

This recruitment drive is a response to Japan's demographic crisis, with projections indicating a shortfall of 570,000 care workers by fiscal year 2040 due to its declining birthrate and aging population. The Specified Skilled Worker program, initiated in 2019, is instrumental in onboarding foreign talent, with caregiving being a key focus area.

While other nationalities form the bulk of foreign care workers, Indian recruitment has surged significantly since 2022. Local governments are also showing interest, organizing outreach and training initiatives. Experts emphasize Japan's need to highlight caregiving as a stable career and improve the overall environment for foreign employees to ensure the success of these efforts.