More foreign students comprise Taiwan workforce

2015-02-26

The number of foreign students working in Taiwan after graduation climbed 68 percent to 1,428 in 2014, up from an annual average of 850, according to the National Development Council Feb. 24.

Attributing the growth to an easing of regulations implemented July 1 last year, the NDC said the students are playing an integral part in strengthening Taiwan’s labor pool.

“Our new points system enables more high-caliber students to remain in country,” said Chang Herng-yu, director of NDC Department of Human Resources Development. “Assessment categories better match national development goals and take into account the categories of education, language, previous salaries, professional skills, and work and life experience.”

According to Chang, 477 students were employed last year through the program, with over half taking professional roles in the fields of commerce, electronics, engineering, information and communications technology and machinery.

“By lifting former restrictions on minimum wage and work experience, foreign students have greater leeway in finding jobs and Taiwan businesses greater hiring incentives,” Chang said.

The majority of foreign students taking advantage of the program are from Southeast Asia, with Malaysia accounting for the lion’s share at 15 percent followed by Hong Kong and Vietnam, both at 8 percent.

“This really is a win-win situation as Taiwan businesses can capitalize on the familiarity of the students with their home markets to create more trading opportunities,” Chang said. “We will continue coordinating efforts with the ministries of education, economic affairs and foreign affairs to further the initiative.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=227737&CtNode=413)