migrant workers

Today's biggest stories from around Taiwan.

A moratorium on Indonesian women traveling to work in the Middle East is creating new avenues for exploitation.

One in every 10 school children in Taiwan is the child of a migrant worker. How much longer can politicians afford to turn a blind eye to the many problems facing migrants?

With nearly 600,000 Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan, cultural and language barriers leave many workers and employers frustrated. The One-Forty Foundation believes it has the answer.

‘We see many cases of sexual abuse, harassment or inappropriate contact. Most migrant workers don’t ask for help because if they talk to their broker, they will be threatened to be sent back to their home country.’

'People are still stranded': Vietnamese men brought to Kinmen to construct a major bridge project remain in crowded living quarters on the island and waiting for new jobs in Taiwan. Several of them are victims of human trafficking schemes, and are accruing interest on illegal debts owed to brokers.

An employment dispute involving the treatment of an HIV-infected migrant worker in Taiwan has sparked controversy.

Human trafficking: While the government will hope Taiwan can enjoy its seventh-year straight as a ‘Tier 1’ country, activists in the front lines of what they say is a worsening problem hope Taiwan’s ranking will be downgraded.

Taiwan’s anti-human trafficking system is failing to stem the flow of workers from Southeast Asia into exploitative working environments in Taiwan. An NGO leader who has helped thousands of victims is calling for change.

Head of the National Agency for Placement and Protection of Indonesian Workers warns several countries, including Taiwan, to be highly alert since some workers have already been reported to be part of the Islamic State (IS).

For both family members and foreign caretakers, they work 14 hours a day, which lasts for an average of 10 years. In a long run, this is an enormous pressure both mentally and physically. However, the government and society do not see their plight.

Taiwan Railways Administration says it will respect and accept diverse traditions while insuring the rights of travelers.

If authorities keep ignoring the profession and social status of blue-collar workers, this new policy will only relieve the problems temporarily and cause more harm in the future.