India’s 50,000-strong care brigade heads to Japan

India's BorderPlus, a firm specializing in caregiver recruitment, plans to dispatch up to 50,000 caregivers to Japan over the next four to five years to address the country's severe nursing shortage due to its rapidly aging population. The company is utilizing Japan's skilled worker (SSW) pathway to bring workers into the country and has already established partnerships with two Japanese entities, with more collaborations expected in the coming months.

The training program focuses on geriatric care, which contrasts with more specialized clinical roles. Participants, including those with nursing backgrounds, undergo refresher training in basic medical and caregiving skills, alongside learning Japanese workplace and social norms. Cultural preparation is emphasized, as communication norms, punctuality, and workplace behavior differ significantly between India and Japan.

The initiative follows a three-part model that includes language proficiency, job-specific skills, and cultural training. Kumar, co-founder of BorderPlus, emphasized that international workforce mobility is becoming a necessity rather than a temporary hiring trend. Japan's demand extends beyond hospitals to residential care homes, home or ambulatory care, and other assisted-care settings, making it a 'care' market.

Germany's requirements, on the other hand, are split between care and clinical nursing. BorderPlus currently operates in Germany, Japan, and the Gulf, and is exploring potential expansion into Italy, Spain, the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Nordic countries.