Taiwan has officially opened up its hospitality sector to foreign workers, marking a new chapter in the island’s labor and immigration policies. The industry currently struggles with workforce deficit of approximately 8,000 employees, with 5,500 vacancies specifically in housekeeping and cleaning positions.
The decision, announced by Taiwan's Ministry of Labor, aims to ease the burden on local businesses struggling with staffing shortages in hotels, restaurants, and tourism services. Previously, foreign labor in Taiwan was mostly restricted to sectors like manufacturing, construction, caregiving, and domestic work.
Taiwan’s hospitality industry has faced mounting challenges in recent years. As international tourism rebounds post-pandemic, local employers have found it increasingly difficult to recruit enough staff. According to government data, the vacancy rate in the sector rose to over 6% in 2024, prompting calls for policy reform.
The initial phase of the policy targets countries that have established labor export agreements with Taiwan, such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Eligible workers will be allowed to apply for jobs in hotels, resorts, and food service businesses under regulated conditions.
Workers must meet basic qualifications, including health checks and language proficiency standards tailored to the job role. Employers, in turn, must provide training and ensure fair treatment under local labor laws.
Taiwan’s move reflects a broader regional trend. Neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea have also relaxed work visa restrictions in recent years to cope with aging populations and labor shortages.
As Taiwan implements the new policy, the government says it will closely monitor its impact and adjust regulations as needed to ensure a balance between economic growth and worker welfare.
