Hualien Urges Legal Employment of Migrant Workers, Illegal Hiring in Agriculture Risks Hefty Fines
In response to the loosening of migrant labor regulations in Taiwan, the Hualien County Government has urged employers, particularly those in the agricultural sector, to legally employ migrant workers to avoid fines of up to NT$660,000.
The Social Affairs Department of Hualien County pointed out that Taiwan has seen a steady increase in the number of migrant workers due to relaxed regulations. Specifically, agricultural migrant workers grew by 24.80% last year. To address the persistent labor shortage in agriculture, the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Agriculture have continued to review and improve foreign worker policies. Since 2019, agricultural extension services have been open to foreign labor, and in 2023, applications for agricultural migrant workers were further expanded.
However, illegal hiring remains an issue. From January to October this year, the Immigration Agency uncovered 13 cases of illegal employment of foreign workers in agriculture, with violators facing fines of up to NT$660,000. The Hualien County Government reminds that agricultural extension labor must be applied for through farmers' associations, fishery associations, or non-profit organizations, and individuals are prohibited from hiring foreign workers independently.
Additionally, many foreigners overstay their tourist visas and engage in illegal work. Employers found guilty face fines starting at NT$150,000 and may face criminal charges for repeat offenses, including up to three years of imprisonment and additional fines. For inquiries, farmers can contact the Labor and Employer Division of the Hualien County Social Affairs Department at 03-8227171#358 or #359.
Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei emphasized that the issue of labor shortages in agriculture has persisted for years. Given the challenges of an aging population and insufficient agricultural labor, the legal employment of migrant workers is a crucial solution.
