The controversial pilot project for foreign caregivers in Seoul is set to begin on September 3, sparking intense debate over service fees and wages for domestic helpers. The service fees are set at 1.19 million won ($900) per month for four hours of work per day and 2.38 million won for eight hours, with an hourly wage of 13,700 won for foreign caregivers. Critics argue that the policy primarily benefits wealthy households in affluent districts, leading to questions about why taxpayers should support foreign caregivers only the wealthy can afford.
The government and ruling party are at odds over the exclusion of foreign caregivers from the minimum wage, with some calling for amendments to the system to make the service more accessible to the middle class. However, concerns have been raised by experts about the potential long-term harm of focusing solely on lower costs.
One major concern is the risk of illegal immigration, as workers may leave the caregiving sector if it becomes the only area where the minimum wage is not applied. This could lead to an increase in undocumented migrants, impacting the economy and posing challenges for managing the workforce. The potential for workforce attrition could also affect the safety of families and children involved in caregiving.
Another concern is the devaluation of care work, as lowering wages for foreign workers could lead to a decrease in wages for domestic care workers as well. This could exacerbate existing labor shortages in the care industry and undermine efforts to enhance the value of care work in society. The long-term impact on the entire market needs to be considered, rather than focusing solely on short-term cost reduction.
Additionally, there is a need for consensus on coexistence, as reducing wages could make it more difficult to secure workers in a competitive global market for care workers. Social discussions are needed to address potential societal and cultural changes that could result from a policy direction aimed at lowering prices to make the service more accessible. Issues of discrimination and conflicts may arise if foreign workers providing face-to-face services in care work are not adequately addressed.
In conclusion, while the foreign caregiver pilot program may offer short-term benefits in terms of cost reduction, experts warn of significant long-term harm if the focus remains solely on lower costs. The potential risks of illegal immigration, devaluation of care work, and challenges in securing workers highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the broader impact on society. Discussions on coexistence and addressing potential societal changes are essential to ensure the successful implementation of the program.