TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Labor Minister Hong Shen-han (洪申翰) on Wednesday addressed the legislature’s easing of requirements for those aged 80 and above to hire foreign caregivers.

Following the passage of an amendment to the Employment Services Act, seniors aged 80 and above, and those aged 70-79 with stage 2 cancer or above, are exempt from the Barthel Index medical assessment. This judges an individual's ability to perform daily activities, per CNA.

Hong said a rush to implement relaxed regulations could cause market chaos for the services of foreign caregivers. For example, families of disabled individuals fear they will not be able to engage foreign caregivers due to increased competition. 

Hong said he was in talks with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to formulate policies and help such families.

Discussions have included suggestions such as government subsidies for foreign caregivers to remain in their current contract. Hong said he would work with the MHOW, medical associations, social welfare groups, and other NGOs to minimize the impact of the new amendment.

Hong estimated six months of observation would be required to assess the impact of the new policy.