TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is transforming into a super-aging society, with its working-age population shrinking, leading to an increasing demand for foreign live-in-home help to fill the emerging gap.
Experts urge the government to implement additional incentives, such as pay raises, professional training, and permanent residency, to attract foreign caregivers to Taiwan.
Last year, Taiwan raised the minimum monthly pay for live-in migrant caregivers from NT＄ 17,000 to NT＄ 20,000. However, Japan offers at least NT＄ 40,000 per month, putting Taiwan at a disadvantage.
Chen Ching-ning, secretary-general of the Taiwan Association of Family Caregivers, pointed out that neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea, which are more conservative toward foreign workers, have taken steps to attract more laborers in recent years.
"The labor department was pondering recruiting from other neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, but I think we need to consider what incentives would attract them to come to Taiwan," Chen added.
Hsu Jui-hsi, director-general of the Global Workers' Organization, highlighted that the government can provide foreign caregivers with professional training, certificate examinations, and permanent residency, which "not only improves labor quality but also provides employers with a better workforce."
There are approximately 820,000 incapacitated individuals in Taiwan, and around 160,000 require professional care services. To address this shortage of foreign home-based workers in Taiwan, authorities should provide better living conditions and opportunities for career development.