TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) announced on Thursday (Dec. 12) that the hospitality industry faces a long-standing labor shortage, prompting discussions with the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) to consider allowing foreign workers. Chen acknowledged the issue's complexity and emphasized the government's role in assisting businesses in coordinating with the labor ministry.
The ministry hopes businesses will increase wages to attract talent and consider employing overseas students or migrant workers to fill labor gaps. Chen admitted that certain jobs are unpopular among Taiwanese, and the ministry will communicate these needs to the labor ministry to address the shortage of bus drivers, port workers, and hospitality staff.
The ministry has already significantly opened opportunities for overseas students, but businesses report that more is needed. The ministry will continue to advocate for additional measures to address the labor shortage. In August, Minister Chen addressed the decline of Taiwan's hospitality industry. He promised to cooperate with the MOL to mitigate the labor shortage gap and invest in marketing to attract domestic and international tourists to explore Taiwan.
