Taiwan Lifts Quota Limit on Semi-Skilled Foreign Workers

The Government of Taiwan has approved a new labor policy that aims to address the countrys growing labor shortage while improving working conditions for both local and foreign employees.

Under the new measures, employers are now allowed to hire or upgrade eligible foreign workers to semi-skilled positions without any quota restrictions, lifting the previous 25% cap. The reform also extends employment opportunities for foreign workers to the hotel and accommodation sector for the first time.

However, to maintain fairness between local and foreign employees, employers must first raise the salary of one Taiwanese worker by at least NT$2,000 before hiring one additional foreign worker.
The starting salary for semi-skilled foreign workers will be set at NT$32,000 per month, and the policy will take effect in early 2026.

Key Measures Under the Foreign Workforce Enhancement Plan

• Wage Adjustment Incentive Employers who increase Taiwanese workers salaries by NT$2,000 will be eligible to hire additional foreign workers.
• Semi-Skilled Upgrade Program Qualified foreign workers with sufficient experience and skills may be reclassified as semi-skilled employees, removing the former 25% restriction.
• Expansion to New Sectors The hotel and commercial port industries are now permitted to hire foreign workers, under a 1-to-1 local wage increase condition.
• Direct Government-to-Government (G2G) Recruitment System Taiwan plans to establish official overseas recruitment centers, with the first expected to open in the Philippines in early 2026.

Addressing Future Labor Shortages
According to Taiwans Ministry of Labor, the country is projected to face a labor shortage of over 3 million workers by 2040.
The newly approved policy is therefore seen as a strategic step to stabilize Taiwans labor market, strengthen its industrial competitiveness, and create fair and sustainable opportunities for foreign workers.