Business Sector Worried About Labor Shortages Due to Population Policies; DPP Caucus: Subsidies Available for Hiring

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 28. President Lai Ching-te announced 18 measures under the 'New Strategy for Taiwan's Population Policy—Family Support' yesterday, prompting concerns from the business sector regarding labor shortages. The DPP legislative caucus stated today that if employers need to increase staff, the Ministry of Labor will provide subsidies for hiring and training, so business owners need not worry. The measures include a growth subsidy of NT$5,000 per month for children aged 0-18. DPP caucus secretary-general Fan Yun suggested that businesses should review the full policy, noting that the government provides subsidies for companies with 200 or fewer employees to help with labor costs and training. Regarding KMT caucus leader Fu Kun-chi's proposal for free social housing for parents, DPP caucus whip Chuang Jui-hsiung stated that while policies can be discussed, the focus should be on feasibility and achieving goals. He emphasized fiscal discipline and noted that the government is doing its best to support young families to alleviate the burden of raising children.