Labor and Youth Office Joins Forces to Support Foreign Fishermen by Distributing Winter Supplies and Free Services Acting Mayor Qiu Chen-yuan: Let Migrant Workers Feel at Home
As temperatures drop, the Hsinchu City Government hosted a "Warmth for Foreign Fishermen" event on the 8th at the Hsinchu Fishing Port Tourism Service Center. The event aimed to support and care for the hardworking foreign fishermen in the region. Acting Mayor Qiu Chen-yuan highlighted that the government distributed warm items such as fleece jackets and sleeping bags, alongside offering free haircut services. These efforts aim to make migrant fishermen feel the warmth of home even when away from their own countries.
Qiu emphasized that this event aligns with Mayor Kao Hung-an's "Happiness and Friendliness" policy, actively promoting the well-being of migrant workers in Hsinchu. Currently, the city is home to approximately 18,000 migrant workers, including 200 foreign fishermen mainly working in Nanliao and Haishan fishing ports, most of whom are from Indonesia. These workers play a crucial role in bridging the labor gap in the fisheries sector, significantly contributing to the development of Hsinchu’s fishing industry. To further support them, the government opened a Muslim prayer room on July 31 this year, providing a space for religious practices and reflecting the administration's respect for cultural and religious diversity.
Director of the Labor and Youth Office, Lin Yu-chih, mentioned that the government has organized foreign fisherman care events for several years, especially during winter. By distributing warm supplies and offering free services, the events not only provide tangible help but also convey society's respect and gratitude for their hard work.
Lin also urged employers to improve the living conditions of fishermen, ensuring they receive adequate support in their work, daily life, and emotional well-being. Quality accommodations can enhance their living standards, making them feel at home, and further stabilize and boost the fisheries labor force's productivity.
Moreover, the Labor and Youth Office invited multiple agencies, including the Hsinchu Police Department, the Immigration Service Station, the Hsinchu Supervision Office, and the Hsinchu Post Office, to the event. These agencies provided legal and lifestyle consultations while raising awareness about human trafficking and fraud cases. Employers and recruitment agencies were reminded to adhere to legal hiring practices to foster a harmonious labor environment and prevent involvement in human trafficking.
