Legislators Raise Safety Concerns Over Introduction of Indian Migrant Workers; Premier Cho Rong-tai Hopes to Avoid Discrimination
In response to concerns raised in the Legislative Yuan over the safety implications of bringing in Indian migrant workers, Premier Cho Rong-tai stated that the policy will depend on industry needs and urged against discriminatory discussions, while promising to prioritize domestic security.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 16:16
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 16:31 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 21:47 (5h 15m after Collected)
(Central News Agency reporter Lin Ching-yin, Taipei, 21st) Premier Cho Rong-tai stated today that it is a fact the country needs more domestic and foreign migrant workers. Whether specific industries need to introduce Indian migrant workers depends on industry demand. Even if introduced, they must comply with the regulations agreed upon by the Taiwanese and Indian governments. He hopes discussions on this matter will not involve discrimination, but emphasized the government will prioritize domestic safety and security.
Premier Cho led the heads of various ministries to the Legislative Yuan this morning to report on the compilation of the "115th Fiscal Year Central Government General Budget Proposal" and prepare for questioning.
Kuomintang Legislator Wang Hung-wei clearly expressed her opposition to the introduction of Indian migrant workers during her interpellation. She worried about sexual assault issues in India and the Ministry of Labor's inability to resolve the persistent problem of missing migrant workers, questioning if the government would halt the introduction of Indian workers.
Cho Rong-tai pointed out the government has four principles regarding labor policies: First, it is a fact the country needs more domestic and foreign workers. Second, the Ministry of Labor is diversifying its recruitment of workers globally, especially from Southeast Asian countries. Third, the need for Indian migrant workers depends on industry demand. Fourth, any introduction must align with regulations negotiated between India and Taiwan.
Cho expressed hope that discussions would not involve discrimination, assuring that the government values domestic safety and public security. Thus far, no industry has formally requested such workers.
Wang Hung-wei countered that the government repeatedly promises supporting measures, but none have materialized, and responses remain vague, failing to address public concerns.
Minister of Labor Ho Pei-shan (Note: reported as Hung Shen-han) stated that safety is absolutely the government's topmost priority, and the government will never neglect its gatekeeping responsibilities. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150421
Premier Cho led the heads of various ministries to the Legislative Yuan this morning to report on the compilation of the "115th Fiscal Year Central Government General Budget Proposal" and prepare for questioning.
Kuomintang Legislator Wang Hung-wei clearly expressed her opposition to the introduction of Indian migrant workers during her interpellation. She worried about sexual assault issues in India and the Ministry of Labor's inability to resolve the persistent problem of missing migrant workers, questioning if the government would halt the introduction of Indian workers.
Cho Rong-tai pointed out the government has four principles regarding labor policies: First, it is a fact the country needs more domestic and foreign workers. Second, the Ministry of Labor is diversifying its recruitment of workers globally, especially from Southeast Asian countries. Third, the need for Indian migrant workers depends on industry demand. Fourth, any introduction must align with regulations negotiated between India and Taiwan.
Cho expressed hope that discussions would not involve discrimination, assuring that the government values domestic safety and public security. Thus far, no industry has formally requested such workers.
Wang Hung-wei countered that the government repeatedly promises supporting measures, but none have materialized, and responses remain vague, failing to address public concerns.
Minister of Labor Ho Pei-shan (Note: reported as Hung Shen-han) stated that safety is absolutely the government's topmost priority, and the government will never neglect its gatekeeping responsibilities. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150421