TOKYO—In a rare opening of its labor market to foreigners, Japan plans to accept up to 200 Philippine nurses and caregivers for the elderly if they pass national qualifying examinations here. Liberalization of labor markets is a focal point in Japan’s negotiations with the Philippines on concluding a free-trade agreement (FTA).

A draft plan by the Japanese health and labor ministry envisages giving selected Philippine nurses and caregivers education in Japanese language and culture in their home country for up to one year, the Mainichi Shimbun said.

They would be then invited to Japan for on-the-job training and study for Japan’s national examinations to obtain formal licenses, the daily said, adding they would be sent home if they fail the exams.

If would be the first time that Japan has accepted foreign workers as part of an FTA.

But the Mainichi said it would not be easy to get consent on the plan from the Philippines, with Manila bound to oppose the idea of setting a quota for the acceptance number.