27 October 2023. In last week’s episode of ‘Zoom in/ Zoom Out’, WBI’s Director Dr Bonny Ling spoke to TaiwanPlus News on the topic of migrant workers in Taiwan, highlighting the risk of forced labour under its current system of recruitment.
Recent protests in Taiwan demonstrate a failing system that persistently puts migrant workers at risk. The protests are part of a movement generating increased awareness and public response in relation to labour rights violations.
“Freedom of association is a fundamental human right because we need a peaceful mechanism where grievances can be expressed, and then they can be addressed. […] Especially when we are seeing regressions on democracy worldwide.” – Dr Bonny Ling
Under the current two-tier recruitment model, migrants in the lowest-paid sectors – productive industries & domestic welfare – are charged recruitment fees & recruitment related costs.
As explained by Dr Ling, charging the migrants themselves recruitment fees is a root cause of forced labour in the global supply chain.
Pressured by debt and often threatened with having their wages withheld, workers see themselves tied to unacceptable labour conditions.
This is further evidenced by official government reports, which show indebted migrant workers are overall less likely to report abuse, and more likely to become undocumented in the attempt to escape.
How can the Taiwanese government overhaul the system and help migrant workers?
The answer is Prevention.
Dr Ling emphasised that a recruitment/brokerage system of talent-matching is still needed.
However, as stated in the ‘Employer Pays Principle’, recruitment fees and recruitment related costs should be borne by the employer, and not by the worker themself.
“Employers have more power of bargaining with the broker to ensure the costing is done right. Why do we expect those who are the least able to pay for their job, pay for their job?” – Dr Bonny Ling
In a country whose population is set to be super-aged by 2025, safeguarding migrant workers’ rights becomes a critical matter.
“The argument is not only about doing the right thing for the sake of human rights. Now the argument is also that, doing the right thing is better for Taiwan in the long run, to meet critical domestic labour shortages and for the type of future Taiwan envisions in the Asia Pacific.” – Dr Bonny Ling
[All Image Credits: TaiwanPlus News]
