TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Immigration Agency (移民署) on Monday (Nov. 11) called for cross-departmental collaboration to address Taiwan's missing migrant workers issue. The United Daily News (聯合報) reported that a Keelung police station facilitated the surrender of six missing migrant workers in the first half of this year. Three of these workers, unable to pay fines, were "returned" and went missing again.
The agency emphasized the need for comprehensive management at the source to mitigate related problems, attributing the issue to labor market demands, working conditions, employer and agency management, and tourism policies. The agency suggested the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) invite representatives from the workers' home countries to discuss and propose policy improvements on recruitment methods, language communication, and salary issues.
The agency highlighted the need for robust regulations and supporting measures regarding whether missing workers can regularize their status. It will coordinate with the MOL on this matter. During the COVID-19 pandemic, border controls led to an increase in individuals overstaying in Taiwan. Legal migrant workers were tempted by high wages in illegal jobs, contributing to the problem.
The agency clarified that amendments to the Immigration Act (入出國及移民法) introduced stricter penalties, aimed to curb the illegal labor market, and were unrelated to the increase in missing workers. Post-pandemic, the agency, in coordination with national security and law enforcement, has intensified efforts to track and address missing workers. It follows legal procedures for fines and administrative enforcement, ensuring that inability to pay does not affect deportation progress.
