TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In a bid to ease a growing labor shortage in the hospitality industry, the Tourism Administration has expanded eligibility for foreign students to intern in the country’s hotel sector.
Previously, only students majoring in hospitality, culinary arts, or tourism could apply, per CNA. The new rules, effective immediately, extend eligibility to students in sports and leisure, management, Mandarin, and English-related fields.
The updated internship guidelines took effect upon publication. Key changes include expanding eligible fields of study, modifying required application documents, and strengthening supervision of internship providers.
The agency said the changes aim to meet rising demand from international travelers and improve recruitment. They hope to ease labor pressure by allowing more students to take part in the program.
To prevent misuse of the internship channel, applicants must be enrolled at schools listed in the Ministry of Education’s reference directory of foreign institutions and have completed at least one semester. Schools not listed must be accredited by their home country’s education authorities or recognized evaluation bodies.
Since Jan. 1, 700 students have applied through the program, according to the Tourism Administration. However, final approval requires an interview and clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
To safeguard interns’ rights, host organizations must provide proper insurance during the internship period. They must also follow approved plans and avoid fraudulent documentation or misuse of interns’ visas.
Violations can result in the revocation of internship approvals. Offending companies may be barred from reapplying for periods ranging from three months to two years, depending on the severity of the breach.
The Tourism Administration estimates the hospitality sector faces a labor shortage of 5,000 to 6,000 workers. It expects the relaxed eligibility rules to help ease the gap.
The Ministry of Labor clarified that internships are not considered employment and are outside its jurisdiction. To work in hospitality, foreign nationals must either hold a relevant degree or complete 80 hours of training, if from unrelated fields.
A draft amendment would also allow overseas Taiwanese and international students to work in hotels after completing in-house training programs and earning a certificate.
