TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Changes in visa rules allowing Taiwanese to work in the Czech Republic will take effect during the first quarter of this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday.

The media reported last year that the labor ministry would allow Taiwanese to seek employment without applying for a work visa. The change, which also included nationals from other countries, was designed to help reduce the administrative burden on employers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked the Czech government for the measure, promoting exchanges between citizens of the two countries, Radio Taiwan International reported. Taiwanese can work through a visa or a residence permit but do not need to apply for a special work visa, said ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉).

Despite Chinese pressure, Taiwan has strengthened its relations with several Central European and Baltic countries. Interest in Taiwan’s high tech and semiconductor sectors has led countries like the Czech Republic and Lithuania to attract more investment and related talent.