South Korea extends Philippine nannies program to provide cheaper childcare

Seoul aims to ease household burdens, though critics say program is not a lasting solution

The Seoul city government hopes foreign workers can be an alternative solution to future manpower shortages in the care sector. © Reuters

STEVEN BOROWIEC

February 17, 2025 16:48 JST

SEOUL -- South Korea will extend by one year the employment of dozens of Philippine caregivers, the Seoul city government has announced, extending a pilot program that is part of the country's efforts to expand the role of foreign workers in the economy.