Around 35,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Taiwan are surely eligible to become permanent residents under a new law according to Philippine labor attaché in Taiwan Cesar Chavez.
Taiwan just recently passed a measure allowing migrant workers to become permanent residents, driving into shortage of skilled workers in the island.
Based on initial guidelines released, a migrant worker who has worked 6 years in Taiwan can apply to be reclassified as an intermediate skilled worker.
Once reclassified, the worker needs to serve for another 5 years to be able to apply for permanent residency, which means the entire process will take up to 11 years.
Chavez said that 35,000 OFWs have been working for more than 6 years, thus making them eligible for reclassification out of 142,000.
Their proficiency in the Chinese language, as well as professional skills training certificates from government-approved training courses are also required, Chavez explained.
