Taiwan is embarking on a drive to attract wealthy and well-qualified migrants, according to the head of the country’s new immigration agency. It will also seek to reduce the number of illegal immigrants who land on its shores each year.

The island has one of the lowest birth rates in the world and is forecast to see its 23m population shrinking in a few years, despite a rise in immigration through arranged cross-border marriages over the past decade.

Wu Chen-chi, director­-general of the National Immigration Agency, established in January, said Taiwan was now “developing a set of more forward-looking, active immigration policies”.

The push is to be presented as part of a population policy white paper in June, Mr Wu said. Its goal is “to enhance Taiwan’s international competitiveness” in drawing migrants to its shores.

Taiwan’s efforts highlight the growing pressures facing many Asian governments as they see increasing flows of migrants and try to deal with the challenges posed by an ageing population.

One in five marriages in Taiwan is with a foreign spouse, a trend that is imposing challenges on an ethnically homogeneous society, with more than 90 per cent ethnic Chinese.

The new policy paper is expected to include recommendations from scholars that Taiwan should define itself as a diverse, multicultural society.

The government is proposing to allow immigration via investment or employment for highly qualified people.

It has submitted draft legislation to parliament under which foreigners who make big investments would be granted the right of permanent residence. Separately, individuals with tertiary education and specialised professional qualifications would be allowed to settle permanently with their families.

Those moves would go alongside others to reduce unwanted immigration. Mr Wu said the government was confident it would achieve a breakthrough this year in fighting human trafficking.