Teacher roles, long-term care access expanded for foreign nationals

Taipei, July 1 (CNA) New measures that broaden the scope of teaching jobs for which foreign nationals are eligible and extend care services for disabled and older foreign professionals took effect on Tuesday, according to the National Development Council (NDC).

In a statement Wednesday, the NDC said foreign nationals could only teach specific subjects in special classes for foreign children and in experimental high schools under the previously existing rules.

Starting Tuesday, public and private bilingual schools from elementary through senior high school can hire foreign teachers to assist instruction in the arts, physical education, music and activity-based classes, per the council.

The schools may do so through an additional staffing quota or by having foreign teachers collaborate with local teachers on preparing classes, the NDC said.

Eligible schools can apply for help from foreign teachers through the Ministry of Education's Application System for Work Permits of Foreign Teachers.

In terms of disability and elderly care services, previously only foreign nationals from 12 countries, including Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, and members of the Mackay Program (for individuals who have made long-term contributions to Taiwan) had access to the benefits.

As of Tuesday, all foreign professionals with permanent residence who have lived in Taiwan for more than 10 years and for 183 days or more each year can receive disability and long-term care services on the same basis as Taiwanese nationals, the NDC said.

Foreign residents with disabilities may now apply at township offices for disability identification and needs assessments, it said.

After the assessments, applicants may access individualized care services, including life reconstruction, psychological support, community living assistance, marriage and childbirth counseling, and day and residential care services.

Support services for family caregivers, including respite care, short-term care, training workshops for caregivers and home visits, are also available.

For elderly care, foreign nationals aged 65 or older, or those assessed as needing support, may apply for long-term care services through city or county governments and long-term care management centers at local government offices.

The council said the measures would help enhance a bilingual environment, attract foreign talent, and provide basic rights to foreign talent in Taiwan.

This was the second step in implementing the amendments to the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals passed in 2025. The first phase took effect on January 1, focusing on easing work and residency restrictions for foreign professionals.