If you’re an OFW dreaming of working in Taiwan, there’s good news: you can now apply without going through expensive recruiters or shady middlemen. Thanks to the Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT), Filipino workers can get hired directly by Taiwanese employers—with government protection, faster processing, and zero placement fees.
This government-to-government program, formalized in 1999 by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), offers an alternative hiring system designed to protect Filipino workers. Whether you’re returning to a previous employer or applying for the first time, SHPT makes the process simpler and safer.
What Is the SHPT?
The Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT) is a joint initiative between the Philippines and Taiwan that allows employers to hire Filipino workers directly—without involving manpower agencies. It’s open for jobs in factories, construction, fisheries, caregiving, and domestic work.
Recruitment is done online through an electronic registry (formerly called IDES, now T-IDES). This digital platform matches qualified Filipino applicants to verified Taiwanese employers.
Why Choose SHPT?
Here’s what makes SHPT a game-changer for aspiring OFWs:
No Placement Fees
You won’t pay broker or agency fees—only standard costs like your passport, medical exam, visa, and airfare. This saves you up to ₱145,000 compared to traditional recruitment routes.
Faster, Transparent Process
Applications are processed through a digital portal, so you can:
- Apply from anywhere
- Monitor your status in real time
- Skip unnecessary paperwork
Government Oversight
From pre-departure to job monitoring, both the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Taiwan’s Direct Hiring Service Center (DHSC) supervise your employment journey—ensuring protection every step of the way.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you must be:
- 21+ years old (23+ for domestic/caregiver roles)
- Holding a valid passport (12+ months left)
- In possession of:
- SSS UMID card
- TESDA certificate (for skilled/caregiver roles)
- NBI clearance
- School diploma/employment certificate
- Able to pass a pre-employment medical exam
- Willing to join a 6-day OWWA pre-departure training
You also need to be “ready to leave”—meaning all your documents are in order for deployment in the next few weeks.
Job Types and Salary
| Job Type | Starting Salary (NT$) | Approx. in PHP |
| Factory, Fisheries, Caregiving | 20,008 | ₱28,411 |
| Domestic Workers | 17,000 | ₱24,000 |
Contract Term: 3 years, renewable up to 12 years if both worker and employer agree.
Deductions: Only Taiwan’s mandatory contributions (health insurance, labor insurance, and income tax) are taken from your salary.
How Does SHPT Compare to Other Programs?
| Feature | SHPT (Taiwan) | Other G2G Programs |
| Recruitment | Direct G2G (T-IDES portal) | Via licensed agencies or POEA slots |
| Placement Fees | None (Employer pays) | ₱40,000–₱80,000 or more |
| Processing Time | Fast (online tracking) | Slower, paper-based |
| Contract Length | 3 years, up to 12 max | 2–4 years, sometimes capped |
| Worker Protection | Strong bilateral review | Varies by host country |
SHPT vs. POPS-Direct: How Do They Compare?
Both SHPT and POPS-Direct are legal, government-managed options for Filipino workers seeking overseas employment without going through private agencies. But which one fits your needs best?
Here’s a side-by-side look at how Taiwan’s SHPT stacks up against POEA/DMW’s POPS-Direct system:
| Category | SHPT (Special Hiring Program for Taiwan) | POPS-Direct (DMW Portal-Based G2G Hiring) |
| Administration & Legal Basis | Bilateral MOU between the Philippines and Taiwan, overseen by a joint Technical Working Group | Mandated by RA 8042 (as amended by RA 10022); implemented via the DMW online portal |
| Scope & Sectors | Limited to 5 sectors: factory work, construction, fisheries, institutional caregiving, household service | Open to all sectors covered under bilateral labor agreements and with verified job orders |
| Platform & Workflow | Uses Taiwan’s T-IDES e-registry to match applicants with employers; all steps are tracked digitally | Two-phase application via the DMW portal: Phase 1 for POEA clearance, Phase 2 for OEC issuance |
| Costs & Fees | Employer-pays model; no agency or placement fees. Worker only pays for passport, medical, visa, etc. | Also no agency fees. Worker shoulders regular government and processing costs, which vary by country |
| Contract Terms | 3-year standard contract, renewable up to a total of 12 years with the same employer | Duration and renewal terms depend on the country and employer; no set maximum term across all agreements |
| Worker Protection | Enforced by annual bilateral reviews (PH–TW), covering fee rules and dispute resolution | Safeguards include RA 8042 provisions, POLO contract verification, and DMW grievance systems |
Key Takeaway:
If you’re targeting a job specifically in Taiwan under one of the SHPT-covered sectors, the SHPT route offers more streamlined processing, stronger bilateral enforcement, and minimal costs. But for jobs outside Taiwan or in non-covered sectors, POPS-Direct offers broader access—just with a few more steps involved.
For Returning OFWs: Easier Rehiring Process
If you’ve already worked in Taiwan and are returning to the same employer, MECO and DHSC make the process even smoother:
- MECO verifies your documents and issues your OEC and OCOC
- No need to go through a recruitment agency
- You can apply for your visa directly at TECO
This speeds up your return, reduces your costs, and ensures you’re legally protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where do I apply for SHPT?
A: You can register via the official T-IDES portal. Be sure to check DMW and MECO’s official sites for updates on open job orders.
Q: Can I apply even if it’s my first time going abroad?
A: Yes, first-time OFWs can apply, as long as they meet all the document and experience requirements.
Q: Do I need to visit a recruitment agency?
A: No. SHPT does not use private recruiters. All processing is handled by government offices and online platforms.
Q: How long does processing take?
A: Processing times vary, but many OFWs report faster turnaround due to the online system and absence of agency backlogs.
Final Thoughts
The Special Hiring Program for Taiwan is more than just another job program—it’s a pathway to safer, more dignified work abroad. It puts the power back in the hands of Filipino workers, removing shady recruiters, slashing hidden fees, and giving you direct access to decent jobs in Taiwan.
If you’re ready to start your Taiwan journey—or return to an employer you trust—SHPT might be your smartest move yet.