In a globalized world of shifting population structures, Taiwan is home to a burgeoning population of new immigrants, as well as foreign professionals from a wide variety of countries, who have come to work and invest in Taiwan. On July 16, 2024, a basic law for new immigrants passed its third and final reading in the Legislature. The law aims to comprehensively enhance rights protections for new immigrants, while simultaneously responding to the demographic challenges posed by low birth rates and an aging population, and strengthening incentives for retaining and attracting talent. It is hoped that the law, which provides for a dedicated government body to handle new immigrant affairs, will create a more friendly living environment for foreigners, and through expanding the legal definition of new immigrants, signal to the world that Taiwan welcomes foreign professionals to bring their skills and capital, put down long-term roots, integrate into local life, form a bond with Taiwan, and ultimately become naturalized citizens, to create mutually beneficial, harmonious community relations.
Key aspects
■ Expanded legal definition of new immigrants: In addition to foreign spouses, the definition will be widened to include residents in Taiwan for professional, technical and investment reasons; Mainland Area citizens residing in Taiwan for economic, technological and cultural considerations; and people from Hong Kong and Macau residing in Taiwan for reasons of employment, investment or as a family dependent. The rights protections will be extended to the children of new immigrants.
■ Dedicated government body for new immigrant affairs: The new body will be a third-level government agency, and will be responsible for coordinating and promoting matters related to new immigrants' education, employment and empowerment, in addition to a range of other bespoke services.
■ Quinquennial reviews: The government will conduct a review and formulate a revised plan once every five years, and publish the results of the review, in order to ensure that the support measures are meeting the needs of new immigrants.
■ New immigrant development fund: The fund aims to provide new immigrants and their families with care and counseling services; human resources training and development; and a barrier-free language environment, as well as facilitate the creation of a multicultural society.
■ Measures to protect the rights and interests of new immigrants: Advance eight major care service measures, including life adaptation, reproductive health, employment protection, and personal safety, to ensure the rights and interests of new immigrants and their children.