The Cabinet is considering making some new immigration policies that could solve Taiwan’s labor shortage problems. That’s the word from Cabinet spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun on Thursday.
“To face demographic changes, we not only have to boost total labor participation, but also attract more foreign talent" said Sun. "Therefore, Taiwan has to rethink its immigration policies. At the moment, one of the feasible policies is to increase incentives for foreign students to find a job in Taiwan after they graduate from college. But since there are not enough foreign students that are willing to stay after they graduate, we also have to think about how to attract more foreign workers and immigrants.”
According to the National Development Council, Taiwan's working-age population could shrink to just 51% of the total population by the end of 2060. That's due to low birth rates, a low middle-aged labor participation rate, and a continued outflow of skilled workers.
In order to fill the labor gap, the council is planning “entrepreneur visas” to foreigners who want to start their own business in Taiwan.