TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hsinchu City Government's Department of Labor and Youth Affairs confirmed on Tuesday (Oct. 8) that an Indonesian caregiver and her newborn have been taken into the care of the Islamic Association of Taiwan (伊斯蘭協會) and will be repatriated to Indonesia.
The caregiver unexpectedly gave birth on Sept. 11 while attending to her employer's grandmother, sparking widespread discussion. Officials received the report of the birth on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. and immediately contacted the employment agency to assess the situation.
The agency stated that both the caregiver and the baby would visit the Indonesian office to obtain passports before returning home. The agency cited the "Regulations on the Permission and Administration of the Employment of Foreign Workers" (雇主聘僱外國人許可及管理辦), which allows migrant workers to continue employment if they can support their children.
The Department of Labor noted that during the contract termination and job transfer period, caregivers can apply for a temporary suspension of the employer transfer process, subject to approval from the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動局).
This suspension can last up to 60 days post-childbirth. If labor disputes arise due to pregnancy, and the local government deems the employer negligent, the worker may receive placement assistance. Employers concerned about the health and living conditions of pregnant caregivers can apply for them to reside in government-established centers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Affairs explained that under the "Nationality Act" (國籍法), a child born to a Taiwanese parent automatically gains citizenship. However, if the father is Taiwanese and unmarried to the caregiver, he must first acknowledge paternity.