KUALA LUMPUR - Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor is continuing efforts to address labour shortages caused by an ageing population and declining birth rates through programmes aimed at retaining migrant workers and international graduates.
The ministry is promoting its “Long-Term Retention Program for Migrant Workers” and “International Workforce Enhancement Program” to encourage employers and households to retain experienced foreign workers and overseas students graduating in Taiwan.
The policies allow eligible workers and graduates to remain employed in Taiwan for longer periods while developing their careers locally, as cited from Taiwan Immigrants’ Global News Network.
According to the ministry, a total of 70,252 foreign technical workers in the industrial and social welfare sectors had been approved for status conversion as of the end of March 2026.
Authorities described the programme as an important measure for stabilising workforce structures across industries.
Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation began assisting high-potential foreign employees to transition into foreign technical worker status in 2025.
So far, 22 employees have successfully completed the conversion process.
The company also offers Mandarin language courses and cross-cultural support resources to help foreign employees adapt to working and living conditions in Taiwan.
One of the successful applicants, a Filipino employee identified as Mary, said the opportunity gave her greater confidence about building her future in Taiwan.
She has worked in Taiwan for eight years.
Mary also said the company’s support programmes helped her feel more at home.
Meanwhile, textile manufacturer Everest Textile Co. Ltd has assisted 58 senior migrant workers in transitioning to foreign technical worker status.
The company additionally introduced mentorship initiatives and multilingual learning platforms aimed at strengthening workers’ professional skills.
The Ministry of Labor said the programme benefits both employers and migrant workers.
Authorities said it helps companies retain experienced employees while offering foreign workers and international graduates greater job stability, improved salaries and long-term career prospects.