Japan welcomes Vietnam’s nurse practitioners

On Japan’s recent agreement to get nurse practitioners from Vietnam, a VOV reporter has interviewed Le Van Thanh, deputy head of the Department of Overseas Labour (DOLAB) under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Reporter: On which conditions will Japan receive them?

Mr Thanh: Japan, with an aging population has a high demand for nurse practitioners. Recently, Vietnam and Japan signed a document in this connection. However, Japan’s criteria for nurses and ward orderlies are strict.  Therefore, negotiations will continue until we complete new formalities to meet Japan’s requirements.

To participate in the programme, nurse practitioners should have certain qualifications. Firstly, they should graduate from the Medical College or University. Secondly, they should have a national certificate under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment which took effect on January 1, 2011. Thirdly, they should have a good command of Japanese language at least two years of experiences.

In addition, they should learn more about Japan’s customs and culture, as well as laws before going to Japan. Especially, Vietnamese nurse practitioners should be hardworking and meet Japan’s strict requirements.

Reporter:  Can Vietnamese have the chance to be selected according to strict criteria?

Mr Thanh: The signed document will offer an opportunity for Vietnamese guest workers to work in Japan as nurse practitioners. Although the exact figure is unknown, we suppose the demand for nurse practitioners is rather high.  

Under the programme, nurse practitioners will work for three to four years. During their stay in Japan, they will take part in a national contest. If they pass, they will be granted a certificate to become an official nurse and can work in Japan permanently.

Vietnamese guest workers in Japan earn at least US$1,000 per month on average. Some can fetch US$2,000-3,000 per month.

Another advantage is that Japanese employers often pay due attention to foreign workers, especially Vietnamese in term of their daily lives, working conditions and health insurance.

Reporter: What will be done to help those who want to participate in the programme to avoid being cheated?

Mr Thanh: We are still in the process of negotiations to bring Vietnamese nurses to Japan. There is high hope that the two sides will set up and put a co-ordinating agency into operation soon.

The Government is yet to appoint an agency in charge. While waiting, those who want to participate in the programme should manage to contact the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

It is expected that we will conduct the selection of Vietnamese guest workers by 2012 and bring them to Japan by 2013.

Reporter: Thank you.