MOFA to allow spouses to work in same overseas offices

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is committed to allowing spouses to work in the same overseas offices, provided they avoid direct reporting relationships. 

This comes in response to concerns raised by legislators about the high incidence of family issues, such as divorce, among diplomatic personnel due to their work.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wang Ting-yu questioned whether the divorce rate among diplomatic staff was disproportionately high. Wu responded that no detailed study had been conducted, but he emphasized the importance of reducing the workload of diplomatic personnel.

Huang Li-ling, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) personnel department, said they would consider hiring the spouses of diplomatic staff posted abroad if they have job requirements.

DPP Legislator Lo Mei-ling pointed out that since 2009, the MOFA has had an employee assistance program in place. However, the usage rate is only between 3.1% and 3.6%, lower than the 11.86% of Taiwan's population who seek treatment for mental illness. Wu responded that seeking assistance would not affect promotions.

Wu stressed that since he served at the MOFA, a culture of mutual respect and kindness has gradually spread. He said he would continue encouraging staff to use counseling services through surveys.

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