Frederiksberg Mayor Michael Vindfeldt is advocating for a pilot program to allow Filipino au pairs in his municipality to train as social and health care assistants after their au pair term ends, addressing critical labor shortages in the healthcare sector. This proposal comes in contrast to the government’s recent efforts to expand foreign labor access, which did not include the Philippines among the prioritized countries.

Vindfeldt suggests a pilot project involving 15-20 Filipino au pairs from Frederiksberg, enabling them to extend their residence permits to pursue further training in healthcare. He emphasizes the potential benefits of retaining and upskilling individuals already familiar with Danish culture and language.

A key challenge, according to Vindfeldt, is providing affordable housing for these trainees once they no longer reside with their host families. He urges for consideration of affordable housing options in capital city construction projects to support individuals with ordinary incomes.

While acknowledging that such a scheme could make Denmark more attractive to Filipinos, Vindfeldt suggests a bilateral agreement with the Philippines to manage the number of participants. He emphasizes that his proposal focuses on providing training opportunities in the care sector for those who have completed their au pair duties.

Foreign and Integration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek has expressed reservations about the proposal. He acknowledges the integration advantages of Filipino au pairs but argues that the scheme could undermine the fundamental purpose of the au pair program, which is primarily a cultural exchange rather than a pathway to employment.

Bek also points out that individuals from third countries already have the opportunity to apply for residence permits in Denmark to work as social and health care assistants. He is concerned that offering au pairs a direct route to healthcare careers might misrepresent the program’s intentions.