Taiwan's Potential Introduction of Indian Migrant Workers Sparks Debate; Minister Hung Shen-han: Two Preconditions Required

The Ministry of Labor is considering introducing Indian migrant workers to Taiwan, possibly as early as this year. However, a public petition opposing the plan has garnered over 33,000 signatures. Labor Minister Hung Shen-han emphasized that two preconditions are necessary for the introduction: demand from businesses and India's ability to meet Taiwan's requirements. The Taiwan-India Labor MOU was signed in February 2024 and approved by the Legislative Yuan with cross-party support. The Ministry states that without these conditions being met, there will be no introduction or timetable.
regulationNQ 79/100出典:prnews

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  • 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 16:50
  • 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 17:01 (11 min after Published)
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 22:15 (53h 13m after Collected)
Central News Agency

(Central News Agency reporter Chang Hsiung-feng, Taipei, 13th) The Ministry of Labor announced that the first batch of Indian migrant workers might be introduced as early as this year. Minister Hung Shen-han reiterated today that the introduction of Indian migrant workers is supported by all parties; two preconditions are required for their introduction: demand from businesses for Indian migrant workers, and whether India can meet Taiwan's requirements and screening.

A proposal on the Public Policy Network Participation Platform on April 3rd, "Requesting the Executive Yuan and the Ministry of Labor to immediately suspend the plan to introduce Indian laborers and prioritize ensuring national security and gender equality," has accumulated over 33,000 co-signatories as of today.

Hung Shen-han stated in the Legislative Yuan on the 9th that the first batch of Indian migrant workers might be introduced as early as this year. He reiterated today via Facebook that, given the increasing demand for labor in Taiwan, the Ministry of Labor has a responsibility to maintain the possibility of diverse sources of foreign labor. This is also the expectation of many industries.

Hung Shen-han pointed out that the "Taiwan-India Labor MOU" was signed in February 2024 and submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review in mid-year. The review at that time was passed with the participation and support of all parties. Under such administrative and legislative authorization, the Ministry of Labor began further consultations with India.

Hung Shen-han stated that during the consultations, both Taiwan and India naturally put forward their respective expectations and requirements. Because they fully understood the high public concern regarding this case, the Ministry of Labor has been very cautious in its screening process, putting forward requirements that Taiwan considers important and necessary.

Hung Shen-han emphasized that the subsequent introduction or non-introduction requires two preconditions: demand from businesses for Indian migrant workers; and whether India's implementation plan can meet Taiwan's requirements and screening. If these two principles cannot be met, there will be no question of introduction, let alone a timetable.

Hung Shen-han said that the nearly two years since the MOU was approved by the Legislative Yuan have been a period of very careful screening, and there will absolutely not be any rash actions. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150413

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