TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Thursday approved a policy expanding eligibility for households to hire migrant domestic helpers, allowing families with at least one child under 12 to apply starting April 13.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) last year suggested easing the rules to free up women’s labor force participation, per CNA. The Cabinet on Thursday passed changes that also prioritize assistance for families with special needs.
Cabinet Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said at a post-cabinet press briefing that Cho highlighted the government’s ongoing effort to promote a national childcare policy for children aged 0 to 6. The new policy responds to changing family structures and increased caregiver pressure, aiming to reduce household burdens and keep women in the workforce while providing more domestic support options.
Under current rules, households must have three children under six to apply for a foreign helper, which the Ministry of Labor deemed too strict. The new plan allows any household with at least one child under 12 to apply, with a monthly “employment stabilization fee” of NT$5,000 (US$156).
Special needs families pay a reduced fee of NT$2,000 and have priority application processing. These include households with one child under 12 who has a rare disease, a disability, or special circumstances, or a child under 6 with developmental delays.
Other eligible cases include families with one child under 12 and a single parent or a parent with a disability. Households with two children under 12, including at least one under 6, or three children under 12 will also qualify.
The Ministry of Labor said that foreign helpers are intended as domestic assistants, not professional nannies. The government will provide caregiver training courses and in-home guidance from childcare instructors.
Applicants must submit a completed form and a copy of the household registration. Those with special circumstances must provide supporting documents.
Applications will be submitted through the online application system for foreign professionals' work permits, and additional information is available via the 1955 hotline or the Foreign National Labor Rights Portal.
