The Ministry of Labor (MOL) announced on February 14 the results of its pilot program for part-time migrant caregivers, approving six agencies across Taiwan to hire and train migrant workers for the program, which is set to officially launch by late March.

To alleviate family caregiving burdens, the MOL introduced the "Diverse Companion Care Service Pilot Program", offering short-term and temporary foreign caregiver services. A total of eight agencies participated in the selection process, with the following six agencies approved:

• Red Heart Association of the Republic of China (Taipei, New Taipei)
• Yongxin Social Welfare Foundation (Taichung)
• Tongting Social Welfare and Charity Foundation (Taichung)
• New Daughters-in-Law Care Association (Nantou, Changhua, Taichung)
• Taiwan Wanren Social Welfare Association (Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung)
• Hualien Family Caregivers Association (Yilan, Hualien, Taitung)
  
  

These pilot agencies will be responsible for recruiting and training both local and migrant caregivers to provide short-term or temporary caregiving services.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for Services?

Individuals who meet any of the following criteria can apply for self-paid caregiving services through the approved agencies:

• Holders of a valid disability certificate
• Individuals with a valid National Health Insurance (NHI) major illness/injury qualification
• Those with a recent (within 3 months) medical treatment or surgery record
• Those who qualify for hiring a foreign caregiver for family caregiving or mid-level skilled caregiving jobs
• Individuals assessed by the Long-Term Care Management Center as Level 2 to Level 8 in long-term care needs and requiring the program’s services

Explanation of the Diverse Companion Care Service (Image/ Screenshot from the Workforce Development Agency Website)

Service Duration and Pricing

Service duration and pricing vary by region. Estimated rates include:

• 4-hour service: NT$1,000 – NT$1,250 per session
• 8-hour service: NT$1,200 – NT$2,500 per session
• 24-hour full-day service (including 10 hours of rest): NT$2,600 – NT$3,500 per session
  
  

According to Su Yu-Guo, Deputy Director-General of the Workforce Development Agency, once the pricing structures of the six agencies are finalized, they will be published on the "Diverse Companion Care Service Pilot Program" website for public reference. Before the official launch in late March, relevant information will also be available on the MOL’s website.