Taipei, June 20 (CNA) In a bid to encourage more people to work as caregivers under the nation's long-term care program, the Ministry of Labor has decided to expand a stipend available to those who take such positions on top of the standard salary.
In 2014, the ministry started providing stipends to individuals introduced by public-run employment agencies who accept positions at 24-hour care centers, to promote job opportunities and cut reliance on foreign caregivers.
The ministry has now decided to expand the stipend in line with the 10-year long-term care program unveiled by the Ministry of Health and Welfare this year and to meet the burgeoning demand for caregivers providing at-home care or working in daycare centers.
The stipend will provide an additional incentive and also help stabilize the job market, the ministry said.
According to regulations unveiled by the ministry, individuals who are unemployed but looking for work can register with public-run employment agencies. If they choose to provide care services at home or a day care center, then on completion of a designated number of work hours, they are eligible to receive a monthly stipend of NT$5,000-NT$7,000 (US$164-US$230) for up to 18 months.
