Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun (許銘春) apologized Tuesday for her remarks which sparked controversy due to its discriminatory nature.
Taiwan and India signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for labor cooperation on February 16 of this year to address labor shortages through the introduction of Indian migrant workers. The move has raised concerns with the Taiwanese public on issues such as cultural integration and stagnant wages. On this, the ministry reassured that employment priority is still given to domestic workers.
Hsu said in a separate online interview that following the Foreign Ministry’s evaluation, Indian workers from the northeastern part will be first recruited since the dietary habits and skin color is closer to the Taiwanese people.
During a legislative hearing, Hsu apologized for her remarks and the misunderstanding caused. She says that she may not have been as precise with her wording but wanted to make it clear that there was no discriminatory intent. She also underscored the equal treatment of local and migrant workers under Taiwan’s labor policies.
The Foreign Ministry also issued a press release on Monday apologizing for the situation caused by the inappropriate remarks made by some government agencies. It reiterated that Taiwan will welcome any Indian worker, regardless of their ethnic background, who meet the conditions for recruitment.