Indian Migrant Worker Policy Sparks Discussion; Lin Por-fong: Relaxing Quota Limits More Important Than Source Country
San San Fe Chairman Lin Por-fong stated that regarding Taiwan's migrant worker policy, relaxing the cap on the proportion of foreign workers is far more critical for the industry than focusing on the source country like India.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 14:53
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 15:01 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 09:40 (90h 38m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Pan Tzu-yu, Taipei, 15th) The policy regarding Indian migrant workers has sparked controversy. Lin Por-fong, Chairman of the San San Fe (Third Wednesday Club), stated today that compared to the source country of foreign migrant workers, he believes relaxing the cap on the proportion of migrant workers is more important because Taiwan truly has a demand for foreign labor.
The Ministry of Labor stated that the first batch of Indian migrant workers could be introduced as early as this year. This policy has caused societal discussion and questioning from opposition camps.
The San San Fe held its April regular meeting today. When interviewed by the media, Lin Por-fong discussed the issue of Indian migrant workers. He believes that Taiwan indeed needs foreign labor, but rather than focusing on the source country, it should be examined from the perspective of overall policy. He considers relaxing the ceiling on the proportion of foreign migrant workers to be more important.
Lin reiterated that it is necessary for the government to regulate foreign migrant workers, but it should carefully listen to the needs of the business community.
As for the economic variables brought about by the war in the Middle East and US tariffs, Lin stated that the US and Iran have repeatedly mentioned peace talks, but religious disputes and the Israel-Iran conflict are not easily resolved. Considering the uncertainty of the Middle East war, the government's decision not to adjust electricity prices in April is the right move. He also hopes the government will evaluate electricity price adjustments only after the Middle East situation stabilizes.
Regarding the government's evaluation of expanding US energy procurement, Lin stated that the US is one of the procurement targets, but Taiwan cannot rely solely on the US. Oil and gas sources should be diversified and procured from different regions; furthermore, energy policy should restore the "coexistence of nuclear and green energy," which is the best approach.
In addition to the changing dynamics of the Middle East war, US tariffs remain a major uncertainty this year. The US Section 301 investigation will hold hearings soon, and a tariff storm may return. Lin believes that the US views on Taiwan's trade and tariff rates are not only unfair but even discriminatory against Taiwan; Taiwan should not blindly appease the US government, but rather provide enterprises with more encouragement for innovation and new product development, while seeking opportunities for global supply chain restructuring, relying on improving its own strength to respond.
Amidst a turbulent global political and economic situation, the IMF's latest "World Economic Outlook" report estimates Taiwan's real GDP growth in 2026 at 5.2%. Lin stated that this forecast is quite optimistic, but Taiwan should still maintain humility and do what needs to be done well. (Editor: Pan Yi-ching) 1150415
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(CNA Reporter Pan Tzu-yu, Taipei, 15th) The policy regarding Indian migrant workers has sparked controversy. Lin Por-fong, Chairman of the San San Fe (Third Wednesday Club), stated today that compared to the source country of foreign migrant workers, he believes relaxing the cap on the proportion of migrant workers is more important because Taiwan truly has a demand for foreign labor.
The Ministry of Labor stated that the first batch of Indian migrant workers could be introduced as early as this year. This policy has caused societal discussion and questioning from opposition camps.
The San San Fe held its April regular meeting today. When interviewed by the media, Lin Por-fong discussed the issue of Indian migrant workers. He believes that Taiwan indeed needs foreign labor, but rather than focusing on the source country, it should be examined from the perspective of overall policy. He considers relaxing the ceiling on the proportion of foreign migrant workers to be more important.
Lin reiterated that it is necessary for the government to regulate foreign migrant workers, but it should carefully listen to the needs of the business community.
As for the economic variables brought about by the war in the Middle East and US tariffs, Lin stated that the US and Iran have repeatedly mentioned peace talks, but religious disputes and the Israel-Iran conflict are not easily resolved. Considering the uncertainty of the Middle East war, the government's decision not to adjust electricity prices in April is the right move. He also hopes the government will evaluate electricity price adjustments only after the Middle East situation stabilizes.
Regarding the government's evaluation of expanding US energy procurement, Lin stated that the US is one of the procurement targets, but Taiwan cannot rely solely on the US. Oil and gas sources should be diversified and procured from different regions; furthermore, energy policy should restore the "coexistence of nuclear and green energy," which is the best approach.
In addition to the changing dynamics of the Middle East war, US tariffs remain a major uncertainty this year. The US Section 301 investigation will hold hearings soon, and a tariff storm may return. Lin believes that the US views on Taiwan's trade and tariff rates are not only unfair but even discriminatory against Taiwan; Taiwan should not blindly appease the US government, but rather provide enterprises with more encouragement for innovation and new product development, while seeking opportunities for global supply chain restructuring, relying on improving its own strength to respond.
Amidst a turbulent global political and economic situation, the IMF's latest "World Economic Outlook" report estimates Taiwan's real GDP growth in 2026 at 5.2%. Lin stated that this forecast is quite optimistic, but Taiwan should still maintain humility and do what needs to be done well. (Editor: Pan Yi-ching) 1150415
Stand with facts; every sponsorship from you is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "First-hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.