Labor Ministry's Policy to Open to Indian Migrant Workers Sparks Debate; CNFI Supports Prompt Introduction
Labor Minister Hung Shen-han's statement that the first batch of Indian migrant workers could arrive this year has sparked debate. The Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI) strongly supports the policy to alleviate the industrial labor shortage.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 17:10
- 🔍 Collected: April 16, 2026 at 17:32 (21 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 03:05 (57h 33m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA Reporter Tseng Yun-ting, Taipei, 16th) Labor Minister Hung Shen-han recently stated that the first batch of Indian migrant workers could be introduced as early as this year, sparking societal discussion. Pan Chun-jung, Chairman of the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI), stated today that bringing in Indian migrant workers is positive for the overall industry. Taiwan's industrial development needs manpower assistance, and he hopes the government can introduce them as soon as possible, saying, "Those who oppose this policy may not understand the needs of the industry."
Hung Shen-han said at the Legislative Yuan on the 9th that the first batch of Indian migrant workers may be introduced as early as this year. This aroused concerns among some citizens about whether public safety would be affected.
The Chinese National Federation of Industries held its 13th 3rd Member Representative Assembly today. In a media interview, Chairman Pan Chun-jung pointed out that what Taiwan lacks most at present is labor force. He is very much in favor of the policy to introduce Indian migrant workers and hopes the government will accelerate the pace of opening up to fill the industry's manpower gap.
Regarding the backlash from the public, Pan Chun-jung said that those who push back may not fully understand the actual needs of the industry. Currently, the economies of Southeast Asian countries are continuously developing, and local labor demand has increased. "They don't even have enough for themselves," so the number of workers who can come to work in Taiwan is limited, thus Taiwan needs to explore new sources of migrant workers.
Pan Chun-jung emphasized that if the manpower shortage continues, it will affect corporate operations and competitiveness, and there may even be situations where there is work but no one to do it. He stated that the government should start from overall industrial needs, inventory the manpower required by various industries, and use this as the basis for the scale of introducing migrant workers.
As for the scale of the number to be opened, Pan Chun-jung stated that it should be based on the principle of "meeting industrial needs." Meanwhile, to balance the overall labor market, the needs of various industries should be investigated, and manpower allocation should be carefully planned to avoid oversupply. He also urged the public not to worry too much about the issue of bringing in Indian migrant workers and reiterated that the industry does have a manpower gap, making the policy promotion necessary.
Addressing the impact of the Middle East war on global energy, Pan Chun-jung stated in his speech that CNFI has urged the government to ensure a stable supply of natural gas and raw materials to balance people's livelihood and industrial competitiveness. He affirmed the government's recent actions in stabilizing oil and gas sources, freezing electricity prices, and coordinating the increased production of petrochemical raw materials.
Regarding the hope for a resolution to the central government's general budget impasse this year, Pan Chun-jung pointed out that he specially paid a visit to Fu Kun-chi, the general convener of the KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan today, hoping that the subsequent review of the general budget bill can be completed as soon as possible, so that government administration and public construction can be promoted smoothly, providing a stable development and investment environment for the industry. (Editor: Pan Yi-ching) 1150416
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(CNA Reporter Tseng Yun-ting, Taipei, 16th) Labor Minister Hung Shen-han recently stated that the first batch of Indian migrant workers could be introduced as early as this year, sparking societal discussion. Pan Chun-jung, Chairman of the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI), stated today that bringing in Indian migrant workers is positive for the overall industry. Taiwan's industrial development needs manpower assistance, and he hopes the government can introduce them as soon as possible, saying, "Those who oppose this policy may not understand the needs of the industry."
Hung Shen-han said at the Legislative Yuan on the 9th that the first batch of Indian migrant workers may be introduced as early as this year. This aroused concerns among some citizens about whether public safety would be affected.
The Chinese National Federation of Industries held its 13th 3rd Member Representative Assembly today. In a media interview, Chairman Pan Chun-jung pointed out that what Taiwan lacks most at present is labor force. He is very much in favor of the policy to introduce Indian migrant workers and hopes the government will accelerate the pace of opening up to fill the industry's manpower gap.
Regarding the backlash from the public, Pan Chun-jung said that those who push back may not fully understand the actual needs of the industry. Currently, the economies of Southeast Asian countries are continuously developing, and local labor demand has increased. "They don't even have enough for themselves," so the number of workers who can come to work in Taiwan is limited, thus Taiwan needs to explore new sources of migrant workers.
Pan Chun-jung emphasized that if the manpower shortage continues, it will affect corporate operations and competitiveness, and there may even be situations where there is work but no one to do it. He stated that the government should start from overall industrial needs, inventory the manpower required by various industries, and use this as the basis for the scale of introducing migrant workers.
As for the scale of the number to be opened, Pan Chun-jung stated that it should be based on the principle of "meeting industrial needs." Meanwhile, to balance the overall labor market, the needs of various industries should be investigated, and manpower allocation should be carefully planned to avoid oversupply. He also urged the public not to worry too much about the issue of bringing in Indian migrant workers and reiterated that the industry does have a manpower gap, making the policy promotion necessary.
Addressing the impact of the Middle East war on global energy, Pan Chun-jung stated in his speech that CNFI has urged the government to ensure a stable supply of natural gas and raw materials to balance people's livelihood and industrial competitiveness. He affirmed the government's recent actions in stabilizing oil and gas sources, freezing electricity prices, and coordinating the increased production of petrochemical raw materials.
Regarding the hope for a resolution to the central government's general budget impasse this year, Pan Chun-jung pointed out that he specially paid a visit to Fu Kun-chi, the general convener of the KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan today, hoping that the subsequent review of the general budget bill can be completed as soon as possible, so that government administration and public construction can be promoted smoothly, providing a stable development and investment environment for the industry. (Editor: Pan Yi-ching) 1150416
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship from you is the strength 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.