
Taiwan, India in talks on labor agreement
Taiwan and India are in talks to sign a deal on labor importation. Amid its severe worker shortage, Taiwan aims to hire Indian workers in several sectors, primarily from northeast India. According to Indian media, an agreement could be signed as early as next month. Taiwan officials confirm that discussions with India are underway.
Taiwan faces a severe labor shortage in sectors including construction, manufacturing and services. To resolve the issue, the Ministry of Labor is trying to bring in more workers from abroad. Since taking office in mid-September, India’s representative to Taiwan has met with labor minister Hsu Ming-chun and Premier Chen Chien-jen, to discuss collaboration on labor.
Manharsinh L. Yadav (Sept. 12)
Indian representative to Taiwan
We have a couple of MOUs we’re negotiating, one on migration and mobility and the other one on traditional medicine.
Chen Chien-jen (Sept. 12)
Premier
This year, India became the most populous country in the world. With its vast market, demographic dividend and potential business opportunities, it has become a top investment destination for many businesses around the world.
According to the Hindustan Times, an MOU on migration and mobility could be signed as early as next month. Sources say Taiwan will focus on workers from northeast India, due to greater similarities in culture and diet. With a population of more than 1.42 billion, India has overtaken China as the most populous country in the world. Its massive demographic dividend is a big draw for businesses. Taiwan is currently home to 745,000 migrant workers employed in the manufacturing and caregiving sectors. About 260,000 of them are from Indonesia, and just as many are from Vietnam, each nationality accounting for 35% of the total. About 152,000 workers, or 20%, of the total are from the Philippines. About 68,000, or 10%, are from Thailand.
Voice of Su Yu-kuo
Workforce Development Agency
We very much welcome cooperation with new source countries, based on the principles of equality and reciprocity. We hope to help our economy develop and assist families in need.
Jeff Liu
Foreign ministry spokesperson
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to discuss the matter closely with the Ministry of Labor and Indian authorities. We will make an announcement at the appropriate time.
The labor and foreign ministries say talks on a labor agreement are underway, with more details to be announced.
For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53
2023-09-28