TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Fisheries Agency (漁業署) announced Thursday (Nov. 28) that it has installed at least one washing facility and 13 prayer rooms across 33 fishing ports nationwide to meet the living and religious needs of foreign crew members. Over 30,000 foreign crew members, primarily from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, form the backbone of Taiwan's fishing workforce.
Since 2014, the Fisheries Agency has collaborated with local governments, district fisheries associations, and NGOs to plan and gradually open rest facilities for these crew members. The agency also highlighted the construction of a four-story multifunctional seamen's center at Cianjhen Fishing Port (前鎮漁港), the nation's most extensive distant-water fishing base.
This center features a convenience store, restaurant, prayer room, game room, showers, laundry machines, free Wi-Fi, and computer access. Since opening in April, the multifunctional seamen's center at Cianjhen Fishing Port has attracted 25,000 visits and received praise from domestic and international individuals and groups.
The Fisheries Agency emphasized foreign crew members' critical role in Taiwan's fishing industry, urging employers to treat their employees well. The agency plans to continue working with local governments and fisheries associations to build more rest facilities.