Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor on Wednesday responded to criticism in a U.S. Department of State human rights report about poor working conditions for migrant workers in the country, saying laws protect the rights of foreign workers and there are ongoing efforts to make improvements.

According to the 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, migrant workers in Taiwan generally face exploitation and incur significant debt burden during the recruitment process, due to excessive brokerage fees, guaranteed deposits, and high charges for flights and accommodation.

“Brokerage agencies often required workers to take out loans for ‘training’ and other fees at local branches of Taiwan banks in their home countries at high interest rates, leaving them vulnerable to debt bondage,” the report said.

In response, the ministry said existing laws forbid local brokers to charge migrant workers brokerage fees, while employers are responsible for certain expenses incurred during recruitment, such as registration and service fees.

As to the various fees for workers’ training, document processing and travel arrangements, these matters are regulated by the workers’ respective source country, the ministry said.

In addition, the report said foreign fishermen in Taiwan are commonly subjected to mistreatment and poor working conditions, to which the ministry said experts are reviewing current policies to introduce improvements.

The report also noted other discriminatory measures against migrant workers, pointing out that in several instances during the COVID-19 pandemic they were prohibited from leaving their dormitories other than to travel to and from work.

The ministry responded that it introduced COVID-19 control guidelines to ensure employers provide proper living and working conditions for migrant workers.

The ministry added that migrant workers can also report any violation to the “1955” hotline service it operates.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel