TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The foreign ministry has appointed Wang Wei-lung (王韋龍), currently a minister on home assignment, as deputy representative to India.

The position became vacant following the sudden death of former deputy representative Hsieh Po-hui (謝柏輝) in December, per CNA. The Cabinet approved Wang to fill the position.

A career diplomat, Wang previously served as deputy director-general of Taiwan’s office in Houston before returning to Taiwan. His prior overseas postings include Dubai and Fiji.

His appointment comes as Taiwan works to finalize a labor deal with India to accept 1,000 Indian migrant workers. Labor Minister Hung Shen-han (洪申翰) said the plan could proceed as early as this year, depending on demand from Taiwanese businesses and whether India’s implementation plan meets Taiwan’s regulatory standards.

If these conditions are not met, no workers will be introduced and there will be no timetable, Hung said.

The foreign ministry also tapped Lee Hsiu-yao (李秀窈) as deputy representative to the EU and Belgium. Additionally, Lin Chen-fu (林晨富) has been appointed director-general of the Auckland office, and Chen Yung-shao (陳詠韶), the current director, will return to Taiwan.

Lin is a career diplomat with a master’s degree in diplomacy from National Chengchi University, according to CNA. He previously served as head of Taiwan’s Busan office and deputy director-general of the International Information Services department.