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Things are looking good for moms who want to work

By on October 31, 2014

According to Kyodo news’ October 31 report, Japan has finalized a bill to accept foreign nannies and/or domestic helpers in ‘special zones’ along with other deregulatory measures. This means mommies will not have to trade career ambition completely for full-time child rearing.

The six special zones refer to Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo, and its surrounding areas including specially designated zones in the future.

The move is in support of Prime Minister Abe’s call for sweeping changes to get more moms to join the workforce. Up until now, only foreign diplomats in Japan are allowed to hire domestic workers. The bill will permit foreign domestic helpers hired by housekeeping service companies to enter the country to work in special designated zones.

The formula has worked successfully in other Asian countries where it is possible for women to have a career and family at the same time.

The bill will also create a new qualification system unique to special zones whereby only qualified people working as nursery staff within the zones would be able to work at nurseries anywhere in Japan after fulfilling three years of employment.

About Ted Tanaka