Taiwan is planning to further open up its special employment program for foreign students by including graduates of vocational schools and two-year colleges.

Since last July when Taiwan introduced the points system for foreign graduates of local schools, 852 applications have been received and 693 had been approved as of the end of May, say officials.

Under the program, applicants are awarded points in eight sectors, including Chinese-language ability, educational level and special skills.

2,000 places were set aside under the program last year.

It is aimed at making it easier for foreign students to work in Taiwan after completing their education, as it bypasses rules that require at least two years’ work experience and a job offer with a minimum monthly salary of $47,000 NTD.

Taiwan’s points and quota-based mechanism is similar to the work-visa systems adopted by some European countries and in North America, say officials.

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