Know Your Rights as a Migrant Worker in Taiwan

Are you a migrant worker in Taiwan? It is important to know your rights while working in the country to ensure safety, fair treatment, and legal protection.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to your rights as a foreign worker in Taiwan:

1. Wages

Your salary is generally agreed upon between you and your employer. However, if your employer is covered by the Taiwan Labor Standards Act, your pay cannot be lower than the minimum wage set by the government. Always ensure your wages comply with this standard.

2. Working Hours and Rest Periods

A. Standard Working Hours

• If covered by the Labor Standards Act, your regular working hours should be 8 hours per day and not exceed 40 hours per week.

• Overtime must follow legal regulations and should be compensated accordingly.

B. Rest Breaks

• For every 4 hours of continuous work, you are entitled to at least a 30-minute rest.

• Exceptions may apply in cases of shift work, non-stop production, or emergencies, but your rest rights should always be respected when possible.

3. Legal Holidays, Rest Days, and Leave

• Holiday entitlements depend on your employment contract and work category.

• Construction, manufacturing, nursing, slaughter, and fishing workers are entitled to two rest days within 7 days: one as vacation leave and one as a day off, plus official public holidays.

• After continuous service, you may also qualify for special leave under the Labor Standards Act.

• Employers cannot arbitrarily deny your holidays or vacation leave—these are your legal rights.

4. Health Insurance

• All foreign workers with an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) must be enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHI).

• Your employer handles enrollment from your first day of employment.

• By paying monthly NHI contributions, you are entitled to medical benefits and coverage while in Taiwan.

5. Labor Insurance

• If you work for a business with more than five employees or in the fisheries sector, your employer must submit your work permit to the authorities for Labor Insurance coverage.

• Coverage begins from your first day of work, ensuring protection in case of accidents or work-related injuries.

• Advocacy is ongoing to extend labor insurance to domestic workers, who may not yet be fully covered.

6. Arrival and Departure Services

• The government operates Foreign Workers Service Centers at major international airports.

• Services include guidance for new arrivals, seminars on laws and regulations, pick-up services, temporary shelter, and assistance with wage disputes or complaints.

• If you miss initial seminars, your employer or broker can assist, or you can watch informational videos provided online.

7. Recent Developments and Updates

• Taiwan has limits on how long migrant workers can stay employed (generally 12–14 years), and advocacy is ongoing to remove these restrictions.

• Employers are required to provide mandatory health checks at specific intervals during employment to ensure workers’ health.

• Permanent-resident foreign workers are included in the labor pension system, with employer contributions for retirement savings.

• The 1955 Labor Consultation & Complaint Hotline is available for reporting labor violations, unsafe conditions, or unfair treatment.

Final Thoughts

Being informed about your rights is essential for a safe and fair working experience in Taiwan. Always ensure your employer follows the law, seek assistance from official agencies if needed, and know that there are ongoing efforts to improve protections for migrant workers.