Wang Ju-hsuan, minister of the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA), said that since Chinese spouses of local citizens are daughters-in-law of Taiwanese elders and mothers of Taiwanese children, they should be granted the same rights as people from other countries who are married to Taiwan nationals. This means that Chinese spouses should be able to obtain work permits immediately after they are granted resident status, she said.

Speaking to the media at the Legislative Yuan, Wang said a relaxation of the work restrictions has long been sought by social activists and Chinese spouses.

Under the current regulations, Chinese spouses have to wait at least six years after marriage before they can obtain permission to work in Taiwan.