A comparative analysis of divergent immigration policies for foreign elderly care workers in Japan and South Korea

In the midst of labor shortages and socio-demographic pressures, Japan and South Korea are facing an increasing demand for elderly care. In order to respond to this demand, these nations have both looked to a foreign labor source. However, these two countries have elected different strategies and policies for foreign elderly care workers. This paper seeks to explore the ways in which Japan and South Korea have responded to the demand for foreign elderly care workers and why they have differed in their policy responses. While facing similar demographic trends and labor shortages, Japan and South Korea have enacted different policies due to national leadership and varying political influences of civil society.Asian Studie