By: L.N. Reklai
TAIPEI — Facing deepening labor shortages driven by an aging population and a shrinking birth rate, Taiwan is expanding recruitment of foreign workers while strengthening protections and integration programs to ensure they are treated fairly and welcomed into society.
Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han said more than 800,000 migrant workers are currently employed in Taiwan, mostly from Southeast Asia, and that number will continue to rise as industries from manufacturing to high-tech compete for workers.
“Our economy is growing, but our workforce is not,” Hung said. “We must rely more on migrant labor, and at the same time we must ensure their rights, safety, and dignity as members of our society.”
Shortages across industries
The most urgent needs are in caregiving, construction, and high-tech manufacturing. Taiwan’s global leadership in the semiconductor industry has fueled demand for highly skilled engineers and technicians, leaving other industries struggling to keep pace.
“Semiconductors are attracting top salaries and talent, but this puts pressure on other sectors,” Hung said. “We need a balanced labor policy that supports our critical industries while not neglecting other parts of the economy.”
The Ministry of Labor is also promoting programs for middle-aged and elderly workers to re-enter or extend their careers, helping to offset shortages. “With our low birth rate, companies cannot ignore the substantial contribution of older workers,” Hung said.
Welcoming migrant workers
To make Taiwan more hospitable, the government has rolled out services that begin at the airport and continue throughout a worker’s stay. New arrivals are connected to multilingual hotlines, official Line app groups, and NGO support networks that provide legal, cultural, and social assistance.
“We are building spaces for inclusion,” Hung said. “From cultural festivals and prayer rooms to clinics with translation services, we are making sure migrant workers feel they are part of Taiwan’s community.”
Language training has become a major policy focus, with the government encouraging workers to learn basic Mandarin while also ensuring employers provide information in workers’ native languages.
Stronger protections
One of Taiwan’s toughest challenges has been the role of recruitment brokers, who often charge high fees that leave workers in debt. Hung said his ministry is tightening oversight of agencies to prevent exploitation.
“Brokers must not take advantage of migrant workers,” he said. “We are strengthening oversight to protect wages, working conditions, and compensation.”
The government is also investing in workplace safety, training, and enforcement to reduce injuries and improve conditions.
Partnerships abroad
Taiwan is expanding recruitment from Southeast Asia and building new channels with India to bring in both high-tech professionals and skilled laborers.
“With India, we are pursuing both white-collar and blue-collar recruitment,” Hung said. “Our partnerships with source countries are essential to meeting future labor demand.”
Looking ahead
Hung said Taiwan’s policies must continue to evolve to match economic changes and global labor standards. “Meeting industry needs while safeguarding workers’ rights is a dynamic balance,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring Taiwan remains a place where both domestic and foreign workers can thrive.”