Taiwan Civil Society Groups Call for Improved Migrant Worker Protections on International Migrants Day
On International Migrants Day, civil society groups in Taiwan rallied outside the Ministry of Labor (MOL) headquarters to call for enhanced labor protections for migrant workers. The protest, held on December 18, 2024, was organized by a coalition of migrant worker advocacy groups that emphasized the need for increased transparency, better working conditions, and reforms to Taiwan’s employment system for migrant laborers.
Key Demands of the Rally
The rally brought together a diverse group of migrant workers and their supporters, including the Taiwan International Workers’ Association (TIWA), who collectively raised several important demands:
- Transparency in the Employment Stabilization Fund
One of the rally’s primary demands was for increased transparency regarding the Ministry of Labor’s Employment Stabilization Fund. The fund, which is financed by employers, is meant to offset the costs of hiring migrant workers. However, civil society groups criticized the Ministry for its lack of transparency in the fund’s distribution. The issue was further highlighted by a recent scandal involving former Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun, who allegedly misused NT$3.56 million from the fund for a concert event she attended. - Improved Worker Mobility and Employer Flexibility
Migrant worker groups are calling for the elimination of restrictions that prevent workers from freely changing employers. Under current regulations, migrant workers can only change employers under specific conditions, such as when their employer dies, their workplace closes, or a critical incident like a ship sinking occurs. Activists are urging the government to lift these restrictions to allow workers to have more flexibility in finding jobs and improving their working conditions. - Abolishment of the Brokerage System
Another major point of contention raised at the rally was Taiwan’s employment brokerage system, which controls the hiring process for migrant workers. Critics argue that the system monopolizes job openings, often charging exorbitant fees and restricting the freedom of workers to seek alternative employment. TIWA members highlighted the difficulties migrant workers face in dealing with brokers and the growing number of unaccounted migrant workers due to these systemic issues. - Concerns Over Long-Term Caregiver Program
The rally also included concerns over the government’s revised caregiver program. Migrant workers employed as caregivers face challenges regarding job security and eligibility for permanent positions. Taiwan International Workers’ Association (TIWA) urged the government to review the long-term care service system to ensure better working conditions for migrant caregivers before re-launching pilot programs like the dispatch program for caregivers.
MOL Response to Criticisms
In response to the rally, the Ministry of Labor reiterated that it is committed to reviewing its policies regularly and engaging with nongovernmental organizations and stakeholders to address migrant workers’ concerns. The MOL emphasized that it reviews cases of migrant workers seeking to change employers on a case-by-case basis and mentioned the possibility of waiving certain work limitations for skilled workers under the Long-Term Retention of Skilled Foreign Workers Program.
The MOL also assured that the Employment Stabilization Fund would be better managed moving forward, with efforts to ensure that it benefits all migrant workers equitably.
Table: Key Issues Raised by Migrant Worker Advocacy Groups
| Issue | Demand |
|---|---|
| Transparency of Stabilization Fund | Increase transparency on fund usage and distribution |
| Freedom to Change Employers | Eliminate restrictions on job mobility for migrant workers |
| Abolish Brokerage System | End monopolistic practices and high fees charged by brokers |
| Long-Term Caregiver Program | Address the issues with the caregiver dispatch program |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is International Migrants Day?
International Migrants Day is a day to recognize the contributions of migrant workers around the world and to raise awareness about their rights and challenges. - What is the Employment Stabilization Fund?
The Employment Stabilization Fund is a financial reserve created by employers to mitigate the costs associated with hiring migrant workers in Taiwan. - Why do migrant workers face difficulties in changing employers?
Taiwan’s Employment Service Act restricts migrant workers’ ability to change employers unless under exceptional circumstances, which has been a major concern for labor rights groups advocating for more freedom for migrant workers. - What is the MOL’s response to these demands?
The Ministry of Labor has stated that it is working on improving transparency and addressing migrant workers’ concerns through ongoing policy reviews. - How many unaccounted migrant workers are in Taiwan?
According to the National Immigration Agency, as of October 2024, there were approximately 89,666 unaccounted-for migrant workers in Taiwan.
