Denmark has sealed a new recruitment agreement with the Philippines for health and social care staff from 2027. The deal will initially allow Danish municipalities to hire up to 100 Filipino professionals each year.
The plan targets growing labour shortages in elderly care across Denmark. Government projections show a potential shortfall of 24,000 social and health care assistants by 2035.
Filipino recruits will be trained as health carers and health and social care assistants in Danish municipalities. The programme includes Danish language courses and support organised through regional authorities and the municipal association KL.
Minister for the Elderly Mette Kierkgaard called the agreement an ambitious project to strengthen staffing over time. It is the first of two planned Asian recruitment agreements, with a similar deal with India expected in January.
Talks with the Philippines and India on health staff recruitment have been underway since early 2024. From 2027, Filipino professionals could gain new job opportunities in Denmark while helping stabilise local elder care services.
