'751 Households Applied' Filipino Domestic Workers... "Cooking is Not Allowed, But Is Reading English Books Allowed?"

[Q&A] Pilot Project Starting September 3
Controversy Over Scope of Work for Household Managers
Childcare and Safety Are Top Priorities
English Conversation and Reading English Books Recognized as Work

Interest is high, with 751 households applying for the pilot project involving 100 Filipino domestic managers starting this September. However, controversy continues over the ambiguous scope of work, as washing dishes for accompanying family members is allowed, but cooking adult meals is classified as a 'prohibited task.' A representative of the pilot project explained that regardless of the task, 'childcare' is the top priority.

Filipino workers participating in the pilot project for foreign domestic workers are arriving through Incheon International Airport on the 6th. Photo by Airport Photographers Group

What tasks do domestic managers perform?

According to the pilot project guidelines by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, their primary duty is 'caregiving.' Therefore, basic activities necessary for childcare, such as dressing children, bathing, and preparing baby food, are included in their tasks. On the other hand, tasks such as taking out the trash, cooking adult meals, organizing storage, pet care, and removing grease are designated as 'prohibited domestic tasks.'

Why are some domestic tasks not allowed?

Because ensuring the child's safety is the top priority in all situations aligned with the domestic manager's primary duties. Tasks that cannot be performed simultaneously while caring for children under 12 years old are classified as prohibited. A Seoul city official stated, "This pilot project includes light domestic services within the scope of childcare, which differs from the traditional concept of a 'housekeeper' that was commonly known."

Is 'English communication' with the child included in the tasks?

One reason the Filipino domestic manager pilot project has attracted attention is that all managers are proficient in English. Kim Seon-sun, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Women and Family Office, said, "Since many applicant households have children under 36 months, there were many requests focused on caregiving and families wanting English conversations with their children." According to officials, reading English books, asking the child to do something in English, and conversing in English can be included in caregiving tasks. However, they emphasized that this does not mean formal 'specialized education' using textbooks.

How are conflicts between user households and managers resolved?

Services by Filipino domestic managers will begin on September 3 based on the initial contract between the household and the manager. If a domestic manager is asked to perform domestic services outside the contract or if the household requests improvements from the manager, it must go through the service provider's 'customer center.' The Ministry of Employment and Labor also announced plans to operate a complaint and grievance handling desk with interpreters at the service provider.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.