The Cabinet passed an amendment to the Employment Service Act on Thursday to help recruit and retain foreign scholars.
The amendment will simplify procedures for hiring foreign lecturers and researchers at Taiwanese universities. It will also allow foreign nationals with permanent residency to work in Taiwan without work permits.
Cabinet spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun said he hopes that the changes to the law will attract more international professionals to work in Taiwan.
"The premier said that the amendment is very important because it is a cornerstone of our human resources policy. We need to train, retain and recruit professionals in order to strengthen our national competitive edge," said Sun.
"This is why the labor ministry amended the Employment Service Act to create a favorable environment for foreign academics, and to loosen regulations for employing foreign nationals. This amendment, in conjunction with the relaxation of the Nationality Act, will make it easier for us to recruit outstanding foreign professionals," he said.
The amendment also includes provisions for special assistance to women who are returning to the workforce after having children.