Strengthened Security Measures for Key Holidays Are Set to Begin: Ensuring a Safe and Happy New Year for Foreign Workers
In response to the construction of the city’s railway underground project, temporary dormitories for foreign workers have been set up in the Datong Road and Shengchan Road areas of the East District. Due to foreign workers’ unfamiliarity with Taiwan’s culture, language barriers, and limited knowledge of regulations, they are vulnerable to being exploited by criminals. The contractor, Mainland Engineering Corporation, has proactively applied to Tainan City Government Police Department's First Precinct for safety and traffic awareness campaigns targeting foreign workers.
The 2024 enhanced security measures for key holidays will run from 10 PM on January 20 to midnight on February 3. The First Precinct is emphasizing micro electric two-wheelers commonly used by foreign workers, advocating compliance with the regulation that all such vehicles must be registered and insured since November 30, 2023. Riders are reminded to wear helmets, follow traffic signals, and avoid drunk driving. Additionally, with the 9-day Lunar New Year holiday, foreign workers’ activities and cash flow increase, making them potential targets for criminals. The precinct uses images and videos to educate workers on identifying common drugs, understanding the consequences of usage, and related penalties. Workers are also cautioned against providing their bank accounts or passbooks to scam groups, to avoid significant losses due to greed or luck-driven risks.
Chief Zhang Zhen-guo of the First Precinct stated that the operation would adhere to three primary goals: maintaining public order, ensuring smooth traffic, and enhancing public safety. He urged the public to not only protect themselves but also extend more attention to foreign workers. With approximately 800,000 foreign workers in Taiwan, 30% have reportedly encountered scams, especially during holidays. The precinct advises workers to stay alert against scams related to gatherings, online shopping, or peer influence, avoid illegal activities, and pay attention to travel safety. They are encouraged to seek help from friends or the police when in doubt. The goal is to ensure foreign workers in the East District have a safe and joyful New Year.
