Crisis in Care: Migrant Workers and Ageing Societies in Japan and South Korea
As more and more countries confront the challenges posed by ageing populations and evolving family structures, there is an increasing reliance on migrant workers to fill essential roles within the care sector. However, state programs often categorise this form of labour as low-skilled and temporary, providing limited labour protections and exacerbating the precariousness faced by migrant workers.
This working paper examines how care work is defined, structured, and governed in Japan and South Korea, and how these frameworks shape the experiences of migrant care workers. It unpacks the demographics driving the demand, the policies and pathways governing migrant labour for care work, and the difficult working conditions that result from the devaluation of care. It also emphasises the crucial role of civil society in offering support and broadening its advocacy for migrant rights.
Crisis in Care: Migrant Workers and Ageing Societies in Japan and South Korea
As more and more countries confront the challenges posed by ageing populations and evolving family structures, there is an increasing reliance on migrant workers to fill essential roles within the care sector. However, state programs often categorise this form of labour as low-skilled and temporary, providing limited labour protections and exacerbating the precariousness faced by migrant workers.
This working paper examines how care work is defined, structured, and governed in Japan and South Korea, and how these frameworks shape the experiences of migrant care workers. It unpacks the demographics driving the demand, the policies and pathways governing migrant labour for care work, and the difficult working conditions that result from the devaluation of care. It also emphasises the crucial role of civil society in offering support and broadening its advocacy for migrant rights.
GAATW Statement for the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 30) on 10-21 November 2025
COP 30 comes at a time of increasing global injustices. Genocide, escalating and unmet humanitarian needs from conflict and climate change, and persistent economic inequality are among them. We also face serious challenges to multilateralism, and the willingness of Global North countries to take their fair share of climate responsibility. However, COP being held in Brazil this year creates a sense of hope that backsliding on climate ambition can be stopped and reversed. Turning words into action for migrants and displaced people affected by climate change is a critical component of achieving a meaningful outcome in Belém.
GAATW Statement for the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 30) on 10-21 November 2025
COP 30 comes at a time of increasing global injustices. Genocide, escalating and unmet humanitarian needs from conflict and climate change, and persistent economic inequality are among them. We also face serious challenges to multilateralism, and the willingness of Global North countries to take their fair share of climate responsibility. However, COP being held in Brazil this year creates a sense of hope that backsliding on climate ambition can be stopped and reversed. Turning words into action for migrants and displaced people affected by climate change is a critical component of achieving a meaningful outcome in Belém.
Response to call for input for the report on “Human Rights of Migrants” by the Secretary-General of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
The Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW) is an international network of over 100 NGOs in all regions of the world, which advocates for the rights of migrants and trafficked persons. Member organisations provide direct assistance to trafficked persons, migrants, sex workers, and other people in need of support; carry out awareness campaigns; conduct trainings; and engage in policy advocacy at the national and regional levels. The International Secretariat of GAATW is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and supports its members through research, international advocacy, capacity building, and information and knowledge exchange.
Response to call for input for the report on “Human Rights of Migrants” by the Secretary-General of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
The Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW) is an international network of over 100 NGOs in all regions of the world, which advocates for the rights of migrants and trafficked persons. Member organisations provide direct assistance to trafficked persons, migrants, sex workers, and other people in need of support; carry out awareness campaigns; conduct trainings; and engage in policy advocacy at the national and regional levels. The International Secretariat of GAATW is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and supports its members through research, international advocacy, capacity building, and information and knowledge exchange.
