By KHT Staff. AI image for illustration only.
MATSU (LIENCHIANG COUNTY) — Reports from last week say businesses across the Matsu Islands (馬祖 / Lienchiang County 連江縣) are struggling to recruit workers despite one of the lowest unemployment rates in Taiwan.
According to a 2024 human resources survey conducted by the county government, unemployment in the island group stood at just 0.1 percent, far below the national rate of 3.38 percent. The extremely tight labor market is creating hiring challenges across sectors, including hospitality, retail, construction, and childcare.
Part of the issue is the structure of the local economy. Government jobs account for 56.94 percent of employment in Matsu, while only 22.09 percent of workers are employed in the private sector, leaving businesses with a limited hiring pool.
A guesthouse owner in Nangan Township (南竿鄉) told CNA she has offered starting salaries of NT$38,000 per month but still struggles to attract staff. A contractor overseeing public works projects said his company offers NT$3,000 per day plus meals and housing for workers from Taiwan, yet applications remain scarce.
One guesthouse owner said she uses social media to attract short-term helpers, offering accommodation and flexible hours so visitors can explore the islands — a strategy she hopes will encourage some to stay longer.
Demographic trends are also tightening the labor supply. Workers aged 45–64 make up more than half of the workforce, while people aged 15–24 account for less than 3 percent.
Experts say many young people from Matsu move to Taiwan’s main island for broader career opportunities. Those who eventually return often prefer starting their own businesses or working in the public sector rather than taking service-industry jobs.
