TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has proposed easing restrictions on hiring foreign domestic workers for families with children under 12. The Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, reviews the policy proposal and may announce changes by year-end. Current rules require families to have three children under 6 or four children under 12 to qualify for foreign domestic workers, with only 2,000 foreign domestic workers employed as of July.
The Executive Yuan is considering raising the monthly employment stability fees from NT$5,000 (approximately US$167) to NT$8,000 (approximately US$267) to control the number of foreign workers. The Ministry of Labor (勞動部) collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部) to evaluate the proposal across sectors. Labor, childcare, and domestic service groups oppose the changes, forcing officials into discussions about policy direction.
Awakening Foundation (婦女新知基金會) Secretary-General Tan Yu-jung (覃玉蓉) warns that relaxed hiring conditions could encourage longer work hours for higher income. Professor Su Wei-yeh (蘇偉業) criticizes President Lai's proposal as "tentative" without thorough policy analysis. Officials must address supply, management, and support details before implementing changes. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30)