The Ministry of Labor in Taiwan is seeking an amendment to the Employment Service Act, which currently restricts foreign laborers, marine workers, among others to a maximum stay of 12 years as long as they leave the country every three years.  The initiative is being welcomed by business and labor leaders in Taiwan who claim companies frequently lose valuable foreign labor to other countries in Asia, particularly South Korea (Taiwan’s major trade rival) where immigration rules are not as restrictive.  Foreign workers in Taiwan, totaling approximately 500,000, will welcome this change as well because they will avoid the cost of foreign travel, visa applications, physical examinations, and filing fees.  It will also avoid unnecessary work interruptions for employers and employees alike.