The delegation of representatives of leading enterprises and several academic and research institutions is holding a series of activities in an attempt to persuade foreign professionals to seek jobs in Taiwan, according to Minister-without-Portfolio Lin Feng-ching, who is heading the delegation.

The main appeal of this year’s recruiting program is that the government has passed an amendment law to allow draft-age males to serve in research and development positions as an alternative to mandatory military service beginning in 2008, aiming to encourage more young Taiwan expatriate talent to work in Taiwan without the fear of being made to do military service.

He said regardless of what subjects they major in and no matter whether they studied in Taiwan or overseas, master’s degree holders will be able to perform R&D services in government bodies and private enterprises instead of having to join the military.

The Executive Yuan has also come up with programs focused on hunting senior professionals with more than 15 years experience to serve as short-term consultants in Taiwan, Lin said, adding that the fields of basic science, biomedical technology, image display, digital content, information technology, semiconductors, energy technology, environmental and natural conservation, nano and high-end technology all require manpower.

There is also still great demand for engineers, business executives, managers and R&D chiefs.

The government also provides preferential incentives for foreign professionals and experts working in Taiwan, including simplified tax procedures, relaxed regulations relating to work and residence permits and school places for the children of overseas employees.

Since the launch of the overseas talent-seeking event in 2003, it has managed to recruit 2,850 people, Lin said, adding that this year, 1,370 jobs provided by 42 government agencies and private companies will be available.

The delegation was in Silicon Valley in San Francisco Saturday and will travel to Los Angeles, Houston, Washington, D.C. and Toronto until Sept. 4 to conduct seminars, press conferences and one-on-one interviews with overseas professionals seeking work in Taiwan, Lin added.

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