Migrant Worker Groups Call for Action Against Brokers Withholding Key Documents in Taiwan
On Sunday, advocacy groups representing migrant workers gathered outside Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor (MOL) to demand stronger measures against labor brokers who unlawfully withhold essential employment and transfer documents. The groups, led by the Taoyuan-based Domestic Caretaker Union and the Taiwan International Workers Association, are pushing for stricter enforcement of regulations protecting migrant workers’ rights.
The Importance of Employment Documents for Migrant Workers
Migrant workers in Taiwan rely heavily on their work and transfer permits, which are considered their most crucial documents. These documents not only serve as proof of eligibility for employment but also determine the validity of their Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs), which in turn affects their access to social benefits and health insurance.
Despite the critical nature of these documents, many private employment brokers withhold them from workers under the guise of “safeguarding” them. The workers and their advocates have reported that brokers demand workers or their new employers to pay “hiring fees” or “document fees” as a condition for returning the documents.
Protesters Call for Immediate Government Action
At the protest, workers and their representatives urged the Taiwanese government to take immediate action to prevent the illegal retention of important documents. Their demands include:
- Increase Penalties for Brokers and Employers: They are calling for higher fines and penalties for brokers or employers who engage in document withholding.
- Guarantee Document Possession: The protesters want to ensure that migrant workers are always in possession of their work permits, passports, and ARCs, both upon entry into Taiwan and during random workplace inspections.
Response from Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor
In response to the growing concerns, Lee Hui-fen, an official from the MOL’s Workforce Development Agency, clarified that under Taiwan’s Employment Service Act, withholding migrant workers’ identity documents is illegal and punishable by fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 (approximately US$1,844 to US$9,218). Furthermore, brokers found guilty of charging illegal hiring or document fees risk losing their operating licenses.
Lee also reported that the MOL has received over 2,000 complaints this year related to withheld employment documents. To address these cases, the ministry has successfully retrieved nearly 2,800 documents, although 58 cases are still under investigation.
Ongoing Inspections and Efforts to Address Illegal Fees
The MOL is actively investigating the issue of illegal fees by inspecting 175 labor brokerage firms across Taiwan. Additionally, the ministry has arranged meetings with 550 employers and workers to ensure compliance with the law.
Table: Key Statistics and Actions by Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor
| Issue | Statistic/Action |
|---|---|
| Complaints Received | 2,000+ complaints about withheld documents in 2024 |
| Documents Retrieved | 2,800 documents returned to workers |
| Ongoing Investigations | 58 cases still under investigation |
| Labor Brokerage Inspections | 175 firms under inspection |
| Employer Meetings | 550 employers and workers met for compliance discussions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What documents are most important for migrant workers in Taiwan?
A1: The most important documents for migrant workers include their work permits, transfer permits, Alien Resident Certificates (ARCs), and passports, as these determine their eligibility for employment and social benefits.
Q2: Why are brokers withholding documents from workers?
A2: Brokers often withhold these documents on the pretense of “safeguarding” them. In some cases, they demand illegal “hiring fees” or “document fees” from workers or their new employers for the return of these documents.
Q3: What can be done to stop brokers from withholding documents?
A3: The government has been urged to increase penalties for brokers and employers who withhold documents. The Ministry of Labor is also conducting inspections and investigations to curb such illegal practices.
Q4: How is the Ministry of Labor responding to these issues?
A4: The Ministry of Labor has imposed fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 for withholding documents and is inspecting hundreds of labor firms and meeting with employers to address the situation.
