Foreign students are being viewed as a potential solution to address the labor shortage. Lin revealed that the government is contemplating extending the post-graduation stay period for foreign students in Taiwan from the current 12 months to a more generous duration of two years.
The Taiwanese government is considering relaxing immigration rules for migrant workers and foreign students as part of its efforts to combat a labor shortage and address issues caused by the country’s low birthrate, according to a report by the Taipei Times. Minister of the Interior, Lin Yu-chang, revealed this during his keynote speech at a gathering of the esteemed Third Wednesday Club in Taipei.
Lin emphasized the importance of embracing diverse perspectives when it comes to foreign workers, particularly those serving as caregivers for elderly individuals and those working in the construction sector.
He expressed concern that it would be unfair and inhumane to dismiss caregivers who have diligently cared for family members within the legal limit of 12 years, having developed close relationships with their employers.
Lin suggested that instead of letting them go, these caregivers should be allowed to remain in Taiwan and potentially pursue naturalization.
Furthermore, Minister Lin disclosed that the government is considering a permanent residency option for male migrant workers engaged in public and private construction projects.
Currently, these workers are required to leave Taiwan upon the expiration of their contracts, which typically last four to five years.
Lin then pointed out that these workers undergo extensive training in Taiwan, making them highly sought-after by employers in South Korea and Japan.
“We should revisit our immigration rules, rather than train workers on behalf of other nations,” Lin said in the report.
The proposed changes to immigration regulations are necessitated by Taiwan’s anticipated transition into a super-aged society by 2025, where individuals aged 65 or older would constitute over 20 percent of the population.
He reminded attendees that Taiwan had already become an aged society in 2018, with 14 percent of the population falling into this age bracket. This demographic shift, coupled with a declining birthrate, has created workforce challenges and social security issues that cannot be swiftly rectified. Lin acknowledged that labor shortages are affecting all levels of the workforce, including unskilled, skilled, and managerial positions.
In addition to migrant workers, foreign students are being viewed as a potential solution to address the labor shortage. Lin revealed that the government is contemplating extending the post-graduation stay period for foreign students in Taiwan from the current 12 months to a more generous duration of two years.
Policymakers are also deliberating a potential reduction in the minimum wage requirement per month, recognizing the challenges faced by many graduates in securing jobs that meet this threshold.
Despite the government’s efforts to boost fertility rates through various initiatives, Lin conceded that these measures have yielded limited results. The persisting challenges posed by the low birthrate and the aging population necessitate comprehensive and multifaceted strategies to mitigate their impact on Taiwan’s society and economy.
Citing data from the Ministry of Labor, the number of migrant workers employed in Taiwan reached a total of 722,622 by the end of January.
