Taiwan eases restrictions for minors seeking part-time jobs

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) revised regulations in January, allowing minors to seek part-time work with just one guardian's consent instead of two.

According to 2023 data from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部), Taiwan's divorce rate reached 9.47%, the second highest in Asia. For minors from single-parent families, obtaining both guardians' consent can be challenging.

The new regulation adds flexibility, helping the service industry tackle ongoing labor shortages. Restaurant group PR Manager Kao Lin-chen (高林禎) said the change speeds up the process of hiring minors by removing delays caused by the challenge of getting both parents’ signatures.

Meanwhile, Hotel Group PR Manager Yu Chih-shan (喻芝珊) welcomed the initiative, stating that if it helps fill labor gaps, businesses will gladly cooperate and improve youth employment planning.

While the new regulation simplifies the employment process for minors, employers must still follow the “Labor Standards Act” (勞動基準法), which enforces stricter protections for young workers. For example, children aged 15 to 16 can work a maximum of 40 hours per week and cannot work on regular days off (例假日), while those under 18 are prohibited from hazardous jobs and are not allowed to engage in works that are “against public order and boni mores, inside tunnels, and in restricted spaces.” Employers violating these regulations risk fines of up to NT$300,000.

As the new rule takes effect, it could significantly impact Taiwan's labor market dynamics, creating opportunities for businesses and young workers amid shifting societal structures.