Published on Taipei Times
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/04/09/2003408811
STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA

Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008, Page 2 The Council of Labor Affairs officially announced yesterday that Chinese spouses of Taiwanese with children below the age of 20 will now be allowed to work even if they have not obtained long-term residence status.

The new measure, made possible by an amendment to existing regulations, will take effect tomorrow.

The CLA said in a statement that the change was made to give Chinese spouses more of an opportunity to contribute to their family’s finances, in light of the increased financial burdens of couples with young children.

Those eligible will need to provide household registration records issued within the last three months and other related documents, the council said.

Those with juvenile children from previous marriages are eligible to apply if the children have been adopted by their present spouse and are living in Taiwan, the council said.

This group of applicants should present the exit and entry permits of the children in addition to the above-mentioned documents.

The regulations will continue to forbid Chinese spouses who do not have young children from working in Taiwan during the six years it usually takes them to obtain a long-term residence permit here, unless they meet certain other conditions. This includes disabled spouses or those over 65 years of age.