Hokkaido Gears Up to Welcome and Support Foreign Care Workers with New Initiative
Hokkaido Prefecture has announced the launch of a comprehensive support program, “令和７年度外国人介護人材受入支援事業” (Fiscal Year 2025 Foreign Care Worker Acceptance Support Project), scheduled to commence on August 14, 2025. This forward-thinking initiative underscores Hokkaido’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for care services and fostering a welcoming environment for foreign nationals contributing to this vital sector.
The new project aims to streamline and enhance the process of accepting and integrating foreign care workers into Hokkaido’s workforce. Recognizing the increasing need for skilled and dedicated individuals in the caregiving industry, particularly with an aging population, Hokkaido is proactively implementing measures to ensure a smooth transition and provide ongoing support for both employers and foreign workers.
Key objectives of the “Foreign Care Worker Acceptance Support Project” are expected to include:
- Facilitating Recruitment and Placement: The program will likely offer assistance to care facilities in Hokkaido in identifying, recruiting, and placing qualified foreign care workers. This could involve connecting employers with recruitment agencies, providing guidance on the application process, and promoting Hokkaido as an attractive destination for overseas talent.
- Providing Language and Cultural Training: To ensure effective communication and harmonious integration, the initiative is anticipated to include robust language training programs for foreign care workers, focusing on Japanese language proficiency essential for client interaction and professional duties. Cultural acclimatization sessions are also expected, helping new arrivals understand Japanese customs, work etiquette, and community life.
- Offering Support for Living Arrangements and Daily Life: Hokkaido acknowledges that settling into a new country involves more than just employment. The project is likely to provide practical support for foreign care workers regarding housing, social security, visa procedures, and general daily life adjustments. This can help alleviate concerns and create a stable foundation for their new life.
- Educating and Supporting Employers: Care facilities in Hokkaido will also receive guidance and support to ensure they are well-equipped to welcome and manage foreign staff. This may include information on legal requirements, best practices for intercultural team management, and resources to foster a positive and inclusive work environment.
The launch of this project signifies Hokkaido’s dedication to building a sustainable and compassionate care system that benefits all residents. By investing in the recruitment and support of foreign care workers, Hokkaido is not only addressing a critical labor shortage but also embracing diversity and strengthening its social fabric.
This proactive approach is poised to create new opportunities for individuals seeking to build a career in the rewarding field of caregiving, while simultaneously bolstering the quality and accessibility of care services across Hokkaido. Further details regarding specific program components, application procedures, and eligibility criteria are expected to be released closer to the project’s commencement date on August 14, 2025.
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北海道 published ‘令和７年度外国人介護人材受入支援事業’ at 2025-08-14 04:47. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.