Labor rights groups are protesting against ramped-up government efforts to find migrant workers working illegally in Taiwan. The labor groups say that the push could harm efforts at containing the COVID-19 outbreak.
Several labor groups staged a protest outside the Cabinet on Wednesday after the labor ministry said that it will step up its search for undocumented migrant workers in Taiwan. The ministry says it will introduce a system of rewards for those who report illegal foreign workers.
The ministry says this push to find undocumented workers is meant to reduce the risk that they could spread COVID-19. However, Chen Hsiu-lien, an analyst from the Taiwan International Workers’ Association, says that the push will only serve to marginalize workers with illegal status.
She also said that the over one million immigrants living in Taiwan should not be alienated, as they are an important part of disease preventions efforts.
Chen is calling on the government to adopt more constructive measures. She says the government should reduce punishments for illegal workers and help them gain legal status. She also called on those who employ illegal workers to get them medical attention if they show symptoms of COVID-19.