TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Labor Minister Hung Shen-han (洪申翰) said Monday that plans to introduce Indian migrant workers could proceed as early as this year, but will depend on two conditions.

On April 3, a proposal on the Public Policy Participation Network Platform called on the Cabinet and Ministry of Labor to halt the plan and prioritize public safety and gender equality, per CNA. As of Monday, it had gathered more than 33,000 signatures.

Speaking at the Legislative Yuan on April 9, Hung said the first group of Indian migrant workers could arrive this year. He said Taiwan’s growing labor demand requires maintaining diversified sources of foreign labor, which is also expected by industry.

Hung noted that the Taiwan-India labor MOU was signed in February 2024 and submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review in the middle of the year. It passed with cross-party support, and the ministry has since advanced consultations with India.

Hung said both sides have presented their expectations and requirements during talks. Given strong public concern, the ministry has maintained strict oversight and put forward necessary conditions.

He stressed that any decision to introduce Indian workers depends on two prerequisites: demand from Taiwanese businesses and whether India’s implementation plan meets Taiwan’s regulatory standards. If these conditions are not met, there will be no introduction or timetable.

Hung added that nearly two years after legislative review of the MOU, the process has remained cautious and will not be rushed.