The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labor Cooperation between Taiwan and India has raised concerns about resulting job shortages for Taiwanese workers as a consequence. The Labor Ministry responded to the concerns on Monday, reassuring that the opening of jobs for migrant workers only happens when there is an existing shortfall in local laborers.
Labor Ministry Workforce Development Agency Director-General Tsai Meng-Liang (蔡孟良) said that the employment of migrant workers is industry-specific and limited in number. He added that only when there is a labor shortage in domestic recruitment that such measures are introduced. He emphasized that this will not negatively impact the job opportunities for Taiwanese people.
Tsai says that currently there are only four countries exporting labor to Taiwan, namely Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. In comparison to other countries like Japan or Singapore which have more than ten labor export countries, Taiwan risks being too dependent on its four. He adds that having more labor export countries also increases hiring options for employers.
Tsai highlights how Taiwan’s labor force has shrunk dramatically due to Taiwan’s aging population and low birth rate. The shortage of laborers in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and other industries continues to expand, and care demands for the disabled increase day by day. He points out that the need for migrant workers is necessary and will become a serious issue in the future if not addressed.