"Why Do They Receive Much More in Korea?"... Two Countries That Have Employed 'Filipino Aunts' Take Notice

Singapore CNA News Covers Job-Wage Issues
Contacted Filipino Domestic Workers but Interview Failed
Highlights Job Ambiguity and High Wage Levels
Hong Kong Media Also Reports on Pilot Project Controversy

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

Singapore and Hong Kong, which have long implemented the Filipino domestic helper system, are showing interest in South Korea, where the Filipino domestic helper system has taken its first step.

Singapore's Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported on the 29th (local time) under the headline, "Ambiguous job descriptions, wage issues: Will South Korea succeed in its pilot project employing Filipino domestic helpers?" CNA stated, "South Korea is set to launch a controversial pilot program to employ foreign domestic helpers for the first time, but it is still unclear whether Koreans are willing to accept them into their homes."

CNA said, "In a video distributed to the media by authorities, Filipino caregiver Kairin Glory Masinak expressed happiness about working in Seoul," adding, "She said in Korean, 'I have a domestic helper certification. I want to learn more about Korean culture.'" It also introduced her statements about wanting to save a lot of money, start a business in the Philippines in the future, help her family, and attend graduate school. However, CNA noted, "When we approached them, the domestic helpers refused to comment."

CNA explained, "Filipino domestic helpers will provide childcare for families and perform light housework, but exactly what is included remains unclear," adding, "They will receive the national minimum wage of 9,860 won per hour (approximately 7 USD). Assuming a 40-hour workweek, including mandatory insurance coverage, this amounts to about 1,800 USD per month." However, "many Koreans think this is too expensive," CNA reported. A resident quoted in the CNA report said, "If the cost is similar, I would probably hire a Korean." CNA also cited remarks from some Korean experts and lawmakers who questioned whether foreign domestic helpers deserve the minimum wage and said the system does not meet the demands of the general public.

In front of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office in Jung-gu, Seoul, a press conference for the 2021 International Workers' Day Migrant Workers was held, demanding non-discriminatory labor rights and human rights protection for migrant workers. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Lee Joo-hee, a professor of sociology at Ewha Womans University, told CNA, "If Korean domestic helpers were offered the same full-time status and benefits as Filipino domestic helpers, many Korean women would be willing to do the job," adding, "If there is money to spend, it should first be used to improve this sector. Workers in this field often do not even receive the minimum wage." Professor Lee continued, "Efforts should focus on improving these jobs and prioritizing domestic labor. This is important because the labor force participation rate of Korean women is very low." She also said, "Bringing in foreign workers alone will not solve South Korea's population crisis," citing Singapore and Hong Kong as examples, "Despite long reliance on foreign domestic workers, these two countries still have some of the lowest birth rates in the world."

On the same day, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) published an article titled, "Why do Filipino domestic helpers in South Korea earn much more than those in Hong Kong and Singapore?" SCMP reported, "The wage level paid to Filipino domestic helpers is difficult for ordinary households to afford, and many believe it will not contribute to solving the low birthrate-related labor shortage, which was the purpose of the introduction," adding, "There are concerns that these workers may leave for better jobs, leading to an increase in the number of undocumented immigrants."

The 100 Filipino domestic helpers who arrived on the 6th are receiving eight hours of daily training on job duties such as childcare and housekeeping, as well as education to adapt to life in South Korea. They will stay in South Korea for six months from September until the end of February next year. According to an agreement between the two governments, they receive the same minimum wage as nationals. Therefore, if services are used for eight hours a day, the monthly payment is 2.38 million won. This is much higher than the average monthly salary of 500,000 to 800,000 won that foreign caregivers receive in Singapore or Hong Kong. However, unlike those countries, South Korea does not provide live-in arrangements, so the helpers must cover housing, food, and transportation costs themselves.

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