Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun (許銘春) has called on the public not to believe fake news or discriminate against people based on their race or country of origin. Speaking during an interview at the Legislature’s social welfare committee on Thursday, Hsu addressed online criticism and discrimination surrounding Taiwan's decision to welcome Indian migrant workers.
Taiwan is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on labor cooperation (MOU) with India by the end of the year to address labor shortages. However, Hsu says that reports suggesting the entry of 100,000 Indian migrant workers are inaccurate. She says she suspects intentional manipulation of figures to spread misinformation and create unwarranted panic.
Hsu says that online comments opposing opening Taiwan to Indian migrant workers and referencing issues such as sexual assault, and public safety concerns are discriminatory. She stressed that migrant workers come to Taiwan for employment and should be treated equally without discrimination based on nationality or race. Hsu added that around 18 million Indian migrant workers are employed in countries around the world and there are currently no public safety incidents in these countries.
Hsu says that negotiations regarding the number of migrant workers to be accepted are still ongoing and cautioned that discriminatory attitudes could adversely impact Taiwan's diplomatic standing and national image.