TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The number of unaccounted-for foreign laborers in Taiwan has reached 90,000 as of January, with 51,499 from the domestic manufacturing sector, according to the Ministry of Labor (MOL).
Amid the rising numbers, the MOL recently held a symposium to discuss potential solutions, including the feasibility of legalizing unaccounted-for foreign workers. However, the proposal faced significant backlash, with critics arguing it could incentivize more illegal behavior, per TVBS.
Taiwan has allowed foreign workers in its labor market for over 30 years, and their total number now exceeds 800,000. They play a vital role in industry and long-term care services.
Many foreign workers leave their employers without permission due to unsafe working conditions or restricted job mobility. These limitations increase the likelihood of workers absconding, exacerbating the issue of unaccounted-for foreign labor.
Taiwan International Workers' Association Chairperson Chen Hsiu-lien (陳秀蓮) criticized the government’s approach, saying: "The government’s solution has been to keep arresting people. But if you don’t address the reasons behind why they are leaving, you won’t solve the problem."
A domestic labor shortage has fueled demand for illegal employment. Many foreign workers leave their contracted jobs to seek higher-paying, unauthorized work.
Control Yuan Member Wang Yu-ling (王幼玲) highlighted wage disparities between legal and illegal foreign laborers. She noted that legal workers only receive base pay and overtime wages, while those working illegally earn based on market demand, often making an additional NT$10,000 (US$305) per month.
Su Yu-kuo (蘇裕國), head of the MOL’s Workforce Development Agency's Cross-border Workforce Management Division, said most groups oppose legalizing unaccounted-for foreign laborers. He added that amending the Employment Services Act and Immigration Act to accommodate such a measure would be complex.
The MOL said it is still evaluating possible solutions, including a one-time amnesty for unaccounted-for foreign workers.
Experts warn that Taiwan must address its growing labor shortage, as current measures to prevent workers from leaving their employers have proven ineffective.
