Control Yuan Urges Labor Rights Alignment with International Standards; MOL Commits to Regulatory Review
Following a US import ban on bicycle giant Giant Group due to forced labor concerns, Taiwan's Control Yuan has urged the Ministry of Labor to align domestic regulations with international human rights standards.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 16:45
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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against bicycle manufacturer Giant Group last year. In response, the Control Yuan stated today that Taiwan's labor rights regulations and systems lag behind international standards and urged the Ministry of Labor (MOL) to review and improve them. The MOL responded that it will continue reviewing regulations to ensure alignment with international norms.
The WRO issued against Giant Manufacturing last year due to alleged forced labor of migrant workers sent a shockwave through Taiwan's industries. It highlights the growing international emphasis on Taiwan's labor and human rights protections.
The Control Yuan passed an investigation report pointing out discrepancies between Taiwan's labor laws and international standards. Control Yuan member Wang You-ling remarked today that businesses can no longer hold a 'cheap migrant worker' mindset, as recruitment costs must be borne by the employer.
The MOL noted that human rights governance standards in global supply chains are evolving rapidly. Major trading partners in the US and Europe have incorporated ILO forced labor indicators into their corporate due diligence requirements. Specifically, the US has initiated reviews of forced labor products from 60 economies, and the EU's Forced Labour Regulation (FLR) will be fully implemented in December 2027.
Recognizing this trend, the MOL issued the 'Reference Guide for Enterprises on Preventing Forced Labor' in February. This guide translates 11 ILO forced labor indicators—such as debt bondage, wage withholding, and living conditions—into practical tools. It guides enterprises to extend management to their entire supply chain through a five-pillar action framework and four core tools, helping them align with international human rights governance frameworks.
The MOL emphasized that in the context of global supply chain management, the risk of unfair migrant recruitment directly affects a brand's market position and reputation. The MOL has collaborated with the Ministry of Economic Affairs since March to provide inter-ministerial publicity and on-site guidance, helping enterprises turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Furthermore, the MOL plans to amend Articles 5 and 40 of the Employment Service Act to strictly prohibit employers or agencies from withholding labor passports, work permits, or collecting deposits. Subsequent efforts will focus on gathering international regulatory information to ensure domestic systems stay in sync with international standards.
The WRO issued against Giant Manufacturing last year due to alleged forced labor of migrant workers sent a shockwave through Taiwan's industries. It highlights the growing international emphasis on Taiwan's labor and human rights protections.
The Control Yuan passed an investigation report pointing out discrepancies between Taiwan's labor laws and international standards. Control Yuan member Wang You-ling remarked today that businesses can no longer hold a 'cheap migrant worker' mindset, as recruitment costs must be borne by the employer.
The MOL noted that human rights governance standards in global supply chains are evolving rapidly. Major trading partners in the US and Europe have incorporated ILO forced labor indicators into their corporate due diligence requirements. Specifically, the US has initiated reviews of forced labor products from 60 economies, and the EU's Forced Labour Regulation (FLR) will be fully implemented in December 2027.
Recognizing this trend, the MOL issued the 'Reference Guide for Enterprises on Preventing Forced Labor' in February. This guide translates 11 ILO forced labor indicators—such as debt bondage, wage withholding, and living conditions—into practical tools. It guides enterprises to extend management to their entire supply chain through a five-pillar action framework and four core tools, helping them align with international human rights governance frameworks.
The MOL emphasized that in the context of global supply chain management, the risk of unfair migrant recruitment directly affects a brand's market position and reputation. The MOL has collaborated with the Ministry of Economic Affairs since March to provide inter-ministerial publicity and on-site guidance, helping enterprises turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Furthermore, the MOL plans to amend Articles 5 and 40 of the Employment Service Act to strictly prohibit employers or agencies from withholding labor passports, work permits, or collecting deposits. Subsequent efforts will focus on gathering international regulatory information to ensure domestic systems stay in sync with international standards.