The current application qualifications for hiring migrant caregivers are to be reviewed, according to a cabinet meeting announcement by Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) on Thursday.
The announcement comes two days after Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou You-yi (侯友宜) stated that those over the age of 80 should be able to hire foreign caregivers without having to take a qualification test. Hou then pledged on Thursday to revoke the qualification test if elected.
Currently, those applying need to take an Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) test to see if they qualify for application, using a metric known as the Barthel Index. The test measures a person's functional independence and mobility when completing daily tasks.
Premier Chen says he has instructed the labor and health ministries to review the current standards as soon as possible. He adds that he hopes people in need will be able to apply for migrant caregivers regardless of age, disease type, or financial ability. He said the labor and health ministries have invited various stakeholders to discuss the issue including medical professionals as well as disability and rare disease groups.
Deputy health minister Chou Jih-haw (周志浩) said at a press conference following the cabinet meeting that this directive does not aim to abolish the ADL test, but rather to adopt a combination of several possible indicators.