Australia is preparing to enter a super-aged society by 2031, with elderly people accounting for over 20% of the total, and is attracting foreign care workers with bold conditions. Although the pace of aging is slower than Korea, which entered a super-aged society last December, Australia has set securing care workers as a nationwide task and has taken proactive action. Australian media reported, "Especially in rural elderly care facilities, there are cases where nurses or caregivers cannot be found, leading to reduced hospital beds ," and "After failing to recruit in the community, recruitment notices are posted nationwide across Australia." A report released in 2021 by the Australian Economic Development Council analyzed, "Without significant countermeasures, the number of elderly care workers will be shortage of 110,000 within 10 years, and about 400,000 within 30 years." Australia is expected to enter a super-aged society (with 20% elderly population) in 2031, and before a larger care gap arises, related systems and staffing will be revised . They are currently being recruited. Ultimately, in May 2023, the Australian government created new immigration regulations to attract care workers, with the core of these regulations being 'simplified permanent residency applications.' Previously, foreign care workers had to undergo a certain amount of training and work at a care facility, then wait two years before applying for a temporary work visa, and then work for an additional 3~4 years to be eligible for permanent residency. English test scores were also required, but the Australian government significantly simplified this process, and if you possess an Australian care certificate, you can apply for a temporary work visa even without two years of work experience. The permanent residency application period, which required an additional 3~4 years, has been shortened to 2 years, the English proficiency requirement has been lowered, and for foreigners, an official from a school offering care certification education said, "Previously, it was nearly impossible for foreigners to obtain Australian permanent residency while working as caregivers, but in May two years ago, the government established immigration regulations for foreigners working in the elderly care industry, opening the way." The treatment of care workers has also been improved, and nursing homes and similar institutions must pay caregivers at least 51,222 Australian dollars (about 46 million won) in annual salary or the higher amount of the local Australian market salary. They say they must pay the higher amount.
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