Introduction: Concerns Over Taiwan’s Foreign Worker Retention Program
Taiwan’s Control Yuan has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Ministry of Labor’s (MOL) foreign worker retention program, which was launched earlier this year to address labor shortages in critical sectors such as fishing, manufacturing, construction, and caregiving. On Thursday, members of the government watchdog called for a review and modification of the program to ensure that it meets its intended goals of improving labor conditions and retaining skilled foreign workers.
Program Overview: Aimed at Retaining Skilled Workers
Launched in April 2024, the foreign worker retention initiative was designed to facilitate the long-term stay of skilled foreign laborers in Taiwan. By the end of October, more than 36,000 mid-level skilled foreign workers had received approval to stay under the program. Of these, 60.2% (22,243) were care workers, while 14,740 worked in other sectors.
Control Yuan members, including Wang Yu-ling, Wang Mei-yu, and Chi Hui-jung, raised several issues regarding the application process and the program’s ability to ensure improved working conditions for these workers. They emphasized that although the program aimed to address Taiwan’s aging population and low birth rate challenges, its current implementation may not be achieving these objectives effectively.
Key Issues with the Current Program
1. Lack of Salary Verification System
The investigation revealed that about 80% of the approved applications waived technical skill requirements in exchange for promises from employers to raise workers’ salaries. However, there is no clear system in place to verify the actual wages being paid to these workers. The Control Yuan questioned whether the program was truly benefiting workers, as there is no guarantee that these promised wage increases were being implemented.
2. Limited Job Mobility for Foreign Workers
One of the key aspects of the program is that foreign workers can apply for permanent residency after working in Taiwan for an unlimited period. However, the program restricts workers from changing jobs before their contract expires. This lack of job flexibility was also cited as a potential barrier to the program’s success in addressing labor shortages.
3. Difficulties in Meeting Permanent Residency Conditions
Despite relaxed conditions for permanent residency, the Control Yuan found that mid-level skilled workers still face significant challenges in meeting the eligibility criteria. This has raised doubts about whether the program can effectively support long-term retention of foreign workers.
MOL’s Response: Steps Toward Improvement
In response to the concerns raised by the Control Yuan, Su Yu-kuo, head of the Cross-border Workforce Management Division at the MOL, provided clarifications regarding the program’s operations. Su emphasized that the MOL has a system in place to verify workers’ salaries through field visits conducted by MOL personnel. Workers are also encouraged to report any discrepancies via the 1995 foreign workers’ hotline.
Su also pointed out that foreign workers could switch jobs if certain conditions arise, such as when both the worker and employer agree or if the reason for leaving is beyond the worker’s control. The MOL will continue to review and improve the application process to make it easier for workers to change employers when necessary.
Control Yuan’s Recommendations: A Comprehensive Plan for Foreign Worker Retention
The Control Yuan concluded that Taiwan’s long-term labor challenges require a more comprehensive approach to foreign worker retention. In its statement, the watchdog recommended that the Executive Yuan and the National Development Council (NDC) devise a more detailed plan addressing workers’ rights, social integration, cultural adaptation, and resource distribution. The program’s ultimate goal is to provide sustainable solutions to Taiwan’s labor shortages, especially in light of the country’s demographic challenges.
Table: Foreign Worker Retention Program Key Statistics (as of October 2024)
| Sector | Number of Approved Workers | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Care Workers | 22,243 | 60.2% |
| Other Sectors | 14,740 | 39.8% |
| Total Applications | 36,000+ | 100% |
FAQs:
1. What is Taiwan’s foreign worker retention program?
The program, introduced by the Ministry of Labor (MOL), is designed to retain skilled foreign workers in sectors with significant labor shortages, such as caregiving, fishing, manufacturing, and construction.
2. How many foreign workers have been approved under the program?
As of October 2024, more than 36,000 mid-level skilled foreign workers have received approval to stay and work in Taiwan under this program.
3. Why is the Control Yuan concerned about the program?
The Control Yuan raised concerns about the lack of a system to verify workers’ salaries, restrictions on workers changing jobs, and challenges in meeting permanent residency conditions, all of which may hinder the program’s ability to address Taiwan’s labor shortages.
4. Can foreign workers change jobs under the program?
Foreign workers are generally not allowed to change jobs before their contract expires. However, they can switch jobs if both the employer and worker agree, or if there are other valid reasons beyond the worker’s control.
5. What improvements are being proposed for the program?
The Control Yuan recommended that the Executive Yuan and National Development Council (NDC) develop a more comprehensive plan addressing workers’ rights, social integration, and resource distribution to ensure the program’s long-term success.
