Analyzing Employment Challenges for New Residents: Current Situation and Issues
As of the end of July 2024, the number of new residents in Taiwan has exceeded 600,000. Including the second generation, this group has grown into a significant demographic that cannot be ignored in Taiwan's social development. Since the early 2000s, the government has recognized the impact of the new resident population on various aspects of Taiwan and has begun formulating related policies and regulations, with the National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior serving as the main responsible agency. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and local governments have implemented various plans and programs to help new residents and their children integrate into Taiwanese society more quickly, fostering mutual coexistence and prosperity. While the efforts of the past 20 years have indeed been acknowledged by new residents, and many have excelled in various fields, there is still a long way to go for new residents to achieve full integration.
This article focuses on the employment issues faced by new residents. According to the latest "New Resident Life Demand Survey Report" released by the National Immigration Agency in 2023, the labor participation rate of new residents is as high as 75.01%, compared to 59.17% for Taiwanese nationals. This indicates that new residents have made a significant contribution to Taiwan's labor market. However, for various reasons, most of them are confined to low-threshold service industries such as food stalls, restaurants, cleaning services, beauty salons, and small-scale businesses, or manufacturing jobs like factory work, agricultural and fishery processing, and freezing plants. The following are some of the employment challenges faced by new residents, which can serve as directions for future policy improvements.
Language Proficiency Limitations on Employment
Apart from spouses from China and Chinese-heritage spouses from Southeast Asian countries, other new residents face communication difficulties in all aspects of life, work, social interactions, and education for their children due to language barriers. Despite having basic listening and speaking abilities after living in Taiwan for some time, their lack of reading and writing skills still severely restricts their employment opportunities and ability to support their children's education.
Difficulties in Education Certification
Many recent new residents have higher educational qualifications compared to those from earlier generations, with many possessing high school or university degrees. However, these credentials are often not recognized or the certification process is difficult, thus hindering their access to jobs that require educational qualifications.
Employment Discrimination
Despite Taiwan's significant progress in new resident policies over the past two decades, discrimination against new residents still exists. Even those who have obtained full educational qualifications in Taiwan are often discriminated against in the workplace due to their accents or treated unfairly by employers.
Low Labor Insurance Coverage
Although the labor insurance coverage rate for new residents has increased significantly in recent years, it remains low due to language barriers, limited employment opportunities, and restrictions related to family attitudes.
Urgent Policy Needs:
- Enhancing Chinese Language Proficiency: Strengthen Chinese language learning opportunities and overcome family attitudes that prevent new residents from participating.
- Promoting Multicultural Awareness and Vocational Training: Broaden the scope of vocational training and reduce cultural stereotypes.
- Family Support: The attitude and support of the spouse’s family are crucial for new residents' integration.
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Author: Professor Liu Meijun / Director of the Institute of Labor Research, National Chengchi University
