Taiwan hopes to attract foreign talent through its Gold Card program, which gives specialized individuals the right to live and work in Taiwan. That was according to National Development Council Deputy Minister You Chien-hwa on Tuesday. You is in Singapore to promote the program.
You says the Gold Card simplifies Taiwan’s immigration process, providing work and residence privileges to holders before they arrive in the country. He says it is meant to attract investors and skilled personnel to contribute to Taiwan. You adds the program could greatly benefit the country if it is linked to key sectors, like internet-based technology and creative industries.
The Gold Card program was launched in 2018. Since then it has approved 6,000 applications. But many criticize the program for favoring individuals from certain countries and not doing enough to ensure local companies are willing to hire foreign talent.
Taiwan hopes to attract 400,000 mostly high-skilled foreign workers to the country over the next decade.