Amid sub-replacement fertility, population aging, and a shrinking labor force, the Executive Yuan has agreed to the National Development Council's (NDC) newest policy. The government hopes to build a prosperous new Taiwan by acquiring highly qualified talents.
During a meeting on the 19th, the Executive Yuan discussed the NDC's "Enhancement of National Talent Competitiveness Policy." Global elite cards will be issued to foreigners with an annual salary of over NT$6,000,000 (US$187,513.5). After living in Taiwan for a full year, holders will be eligible for permanent residency.
In addition, graduates from globally ranked schools are eligible to obtain work permits even with no prior work experience. The government aims to recruit 120,000 foreign professionals by 2028. The NDC will be sending revised recruitment regulations to the Legislative Yuan for review.
As a result of post-pandemic workplace trends, the government will be offering digital nomad visas with a validity of three months and a one-time three-month extension. Digital nomads refer to those who work remotely. This visa allows them to work for both overseas and local companies. They are also eligible to apply for Taiwan Employment Gold Cards and entrepreneur visas.
An unnamed official stated that to provide support to foreign digital nomads when issues arise, the government will be providing a one-stop service and strengthening cooperation with local governments.
Premier Jung-tai Cho stated that to achieve President William Lai's hopes of building a prosperous new Taiwan, the six core strategic industries will be promoted through the "Enhancement of National Talent Competitiveness Policy" and global talent recruitment. By 2028, 450,000 talents are expected to be cultivated in areas including AI, with the addition of 120,000 foreign professionals and 80,000 foreign technicians.
The NDC stated that with the double transformation to digital and net zero, the government will be cultivating talents in areas including AI, green technology, and interdisciplinary digital humanity. To solidify the social foundation for cultivating digital technology, the government will be implementing policies to strengthen cultural and social literacy through the improvement of overall digital literacy. Additionally, to expand the global perspective, the government will be recruiting international students and providing aid to local youths for overseas studies, effectively responding to the personnel demand necessary for economic and social development.
