Taiwan’s Legislature has passed the third reading of draft amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, spotlighting government efforts to promote a welcoming environment for overseas talent, according to the National Development Council June 18.
The amendments were proposed by the NDC to provide a more comprehensive framework for recruiting and retaining foreign professionals, the agency said. The passing of the draft is in keeping with the government’s goal of turning Taiwan into an Indo-Pacific talent hub and Asian Silicon Valley, it added.
Specific changes include loosening experience requirements for job seekers, reducing the time required to obtain permanent residence for certain groups, extending tax concessions, and making it easier for family members of foreign residents to join the National Health Insurance program.
In addition to amending the act, the NDC said it will continue to promote the recruitment of foreign professionals working in the sectors targeted by the five-plus-two and six core strategic industries, as well as establish a policy coordination mechanism to address issues related to Employment Gold Card applications, settling in Taiwan, job matching and starting a business.
Unveiled by President Tsai Ing-wen during her 2020 inauguration and building on the five-plus-two innovative industries program, the six core strategic industries comprise the information and digital technology; cybersecurity; biotech and medical technology; national defense; green and renewable energy; and strategic stockpile industries. (DL-E)
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