Taiwan’s labour shortages will linger

Significance The number of foreign residents has doubled since 2004 despite firm curbs on Chinese immigration; South-east Asians, working in low-skilled jobs, now dominate. Taipei now strives to attract highly skilled foreign talent to ensure human capital dynamics favouring continued high-tech manufacturing prowess. Impacts A more international workforce will present opportunities and challenges. NGOs will continue to advocate equalising the rights of Chinese and other foreign spouses in Taiwan. Although immigration will mitigate economic harm inflicted by a rapidly ageing population, population ageing will remain a concern.