育兒更輕鬆？
The Taiwanese government recently announced a major change to the rules for hiring foreign domestic helpers.
台灣政府最近宣布將對僱用外籍幫傭的規定進行重大調整。
make an announcement宣布regulation(n.)規則break a rule違規／unwritten rules不成文的規定
Starting April 13, 2026, the requirements will become much easier for families with children.
從2026年4月13日起，育兒家庭的申請門檻將大幅降低。
effective as of+時間:自～起生效requirement(n.)必要條件、要求meet／fulfill／satisfy requirements符合條件
In the past, only families with several young children could apply. Now, any family with at least one child under 12 is eligible to hire a helper to assist with housework.
過去，只有育有數名幼童的家庭才能申請；現在，只要家中有一名未滿12歲的子女，即可申請僱用外傭協助打理家務。
apply(v.)申請、塗抹、應用apply to…向～(機構)提出申請apply for…申請某事物eligible(adj.)符合資格的employ(v.)雇用recruit(v.)招聘assist sb. in doing sth.幫助某人做某事assist sb. with sth.幫助某人某事
This new policy aims to support parents and help more women return to the workforce.
這項新政策旨在支持家長，並幫助更多女性重返職場。
policy(n.)保單、政策workforce(n.)勞動力、全體員工
Around 1.44 million households in Taiwan are expected to benefit from this change.
全台預計約有144萬戶家庭將因此受惠。
approximately(adv.)大約household(n.)家庭a household name家喻戶曉的人benefit from 從...中獲益be beneficial to…對～受益advantageous(adj.)有好處的／favorable(adj.)有利的
For most families, the monthly “Employment Stability Fee” remains NT$5,000.
對大多數家庭而言，每月的「就業安定費」維持在5,000元。
employment(n.)就業、工作full-time employment全職工作／part-time employment兼職工作stable(adj.)安定的fare(n.)(交通工具)費用
However, for families with single parents or children with rare diseases, the fee will be reduced to NT$2,000.
然而，針對單親家庭或家中有罕病兒童者，費用將降為2,000元。
rare(adj.)罕見的
While many parents welcome the news, some groups are worried.
雖然許多家長對此消息表示歡迎，但部分團體卻感到憂心。
concerned(adj.)擔憂的apprehensive(adj.)擔憂的
Critics argue that only high-income families can afford a full-time helper.
批評者認為，只有高收入家庭才能請得起全職幫傭。
critic(n.)評論員afford(v.)負擔得起、承擔的起／affordable(adj.)負擔得起的
They are concerned that this might create a social gap.
他們擔心這可能會加劇社會差距。
bridge a gap between A and B彌合 A 和 B 之間的差距
Others fear it could lead to a shortage of workers for elderly care, as more people might compete for the same labor pool.
也有人擔心，隨著更多人爭奪同一批勞動力，這可能會導致長照看護短缺。
bring about導致=give rise toshortage(n.)短缺／water shortages缺水compete for競爭、爭奪stiff／fierce competition激烈的競爭
Despite these concerns, the government believes this policy is a “missing piece of the puzzle.”
儘管有這些疑慮，政府仍認為這項政策是「補上關鍵的一塊拼圖」。
in spite of儘管the missing link關鍵的缺失部分
It will work alongside existing childcare services to better support modern families.
將與現行的托育服務相輔相成，為現代家庭提供更完善的支援。
alongside(prep.)跟～一起exist(v.)存在