The program was launched in March this year with the aim of addressing the country's extremely low birthrates by helping couples juggle childcare and housework, enabling them to work with fewer worries.
However, it soon drew criticism, as some households could afford the service while some foreign workers were not enthusiastic, given that private contracts could not guarantee pay in line with the legal minimum wage.
Available in Seoul and a few southern provinces, the program, which was open to international students and members of migrant families, saw few sign-ups, with many participants not matched to households, eventually leading to its termination.
"We decided to halt the program due to complaints about pay amid low interest," a ministry official said Sunday. "But there is still demand for affordable domestic helpers, so we will gather feedback and come up with alternative measures."
Meanwhile, the termination does not affect another similar program run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, which allows families to hire Filipino domestic helpers.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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