TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) announced on Thursday (Sept. 26) that Taiwan has banned brokers from charging recruitment fees to migrant workers.
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) published an article on Sept. 11 in which 50 global brands expressed concern over the rights of migrant workers in Taiwan. These brands urged Taiwan to prohibit brokers from charging fees and simplify the process for workers to change employers freely.
MOL stated that it has implemented several measures, such as pre-departure orientation programs, to ensure that migrant workers receive fair treatment upon their arrival in Taiwan.
The ministry also mentioned that migrant workers, like Taiwanese workers, can join labor unions and are covered under Labor Occupational Accident Insurance (職業災害保險).
MOL emphasized that employers must bear the costs of labor insurance (勞工保險) and National Health Insurance (NHI, 國民健康保險), as required by Taiwanese labor laws.
The ministry pledged to continue listening to feedback from various sectors of society and to work towards fair recruitment for migrant workers to protect their rights.