Taipei: New measures that broaden the scope of teaching jobs for which foreign nationals are eligible and extend care services for disabled and older foreign professionals took effect on Tuesday, according to the National Development Council (NDC).
According to Focus Taiwan, the NDC stated that foreign nationals were previously restricted to teaching specific subjects in special classes for foreign children and in experimental high schools. Starting Tuesday, public and private bilingual schools from elementary through senior high school can now hire foreign teachers to assist in instruction across various disciplines, such as arts, physical education, music, and activity-based classes.
Schools are permitted to increase staffing quotas or facilitate collaboration between foreign and local teachers for class preparation, the NDC added. Eligible schools can apply for foreign teacher assistance via the Ministry of Education's Application System for Work Permits of Foreign Teachers.
Regarding disability and elderly care services, only foreign nationals from 12 countries, including Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, as well as Mackay Program members, previously had access to these benefits. As of Tuesday, all foreign professionals with permanent residence in Taiwan for over ten years and who have resided for at least 183 days each year can access disability and long-term care services on par with Taiwanese nationals.
Foreign residents with disabilities are now eligible to apply for disability identification and needs assessments at township offices. Upon completion of these assessments, they can access personalized care services, including life reconstruction, psychological support, community living assistance, marriage and childbirth counseling, and both day and residential care services.
Family caregivers can also benefit from support services, such as respite care, short-term care, training workshops, and home visits. For elderly care, foreign nationals aged 65 or older, or those assessed as needing support, can apply for long-term care services through city or county governments and long-term care management centers at local government offices.
The council emphasized that these measures aim to enhance a bilingual environment, attract foreign talent, and ensure basic rights for foreign professionals in Taiwan. This initiative marks the second phase of implementing the amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals, initially passed in 2025, with the first phase commencing on January 1, focusing on easing work and residency restrictions for foreign professionals.