
In a significant move to address a persistent labor crisis in its booming tourism sector, Taiwan is poised to open jobs in the hospitality industry to migrant workers for the first time. The new policy, expected to take effect as early as the first quarter of 2026, aims to fill a critical shortfall of an estimated 6,600 workers and is primarily focused on attracting talent from countries like the Philippines.
The decision comes as Taiwan's hotels, resorts, and restaurants struggle to find local staff willing to take on essential front-line roles. Industry leaders view the incoming foreign labor as a vital lifeline.
"We’re hoping to hire foreign workers because some Taiwanese people might not want to do these jobs," stated Rex, a hotelier, acknowledging the labor preference gap. "Allowing migrant workers to work in the hospitality industry is a positive change."
The new openings will cover a range of crucial roles, including:
- Housekeeping and Cleaning
- Reception/Front Desk
- Food and Beverage Service
The starting salary for these positions is set at NT$32,000 (New Taiwan Dollars).
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This move is not simply about filling slots; it emphasizes attracting intermediate-skilled migrant workers. According to Hsiao Ching-tien of the Taiwan Tourist Hotel Association, maintaining high service standards is a key priority.
"When the industry opens up to intermediate skilled migrant workers, they will all have to undergo training for about six months," Hsiao explained. "We’re of course in favor of opening up these jobs to foreign workers."
Applicants will be required to possess the relevant language and technical skills needed to succeed in customer-facing and operational roles.
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To streamline the recruitment process, the Ministry of Labor (MOL) has announced proactive measures. Specifically, the MOL plans to set up a dedicated contact window in the Philippines during the first quarter of 2026. This direct engagement underscores the focus on attracting Filipino workers, who are highly regarded globally for their English proficiency and experience in service-oriented industries.
For Taiwan, this shift represents a balancing act: supporting the rapid growth of its tourism industry while ensuring stable wages and fair working conditions for both local and foreign employees. If successful, the opening of the hospitality sector to a global workforce could set a precedent for addressing labor shortages in other high-demand Taiwanese industries.
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