Taiwan is expected to “reopen border to migrant workers” in November, regardless of industry or nationality!

According to the 4wayvoice, the Taiwan government implemented strict border control during the pandemic and all migrant workers are prohibited from entering Taiwan. However, this results in a shortage of manpower in the manufacturing, long-term care and construction industries.

As pandemic slows in Taiwan, calls for reopening the border of Taiwan and allowing entry for migrant workers are on the rise. The Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan Shen Rong Jin (沈榮津) recently announced that if the epidemic continues to be controlled and stabilized, it is expected to open the border in November to alleviate the problem of lack of manpower.

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All migrant workers are prohibited from entering Taiwan under the current regulations. (Photo / Retrieved from the Shutterstock)

In addition, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines will be the main four countries for easing border measures, and all industries and social welfare will be opened simultaneously.

The Deputy Director of labor forces management section, Workforce Development Agency, Ministry of Labor - Su Yu Guo (蘇裕國) said that the current border control measures implemented are still strict and foreigners are not allowed to enter Taiwan in accordance with the regulations. Therefore, the Ministry of Labor will propose a project plan to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It is expected to be adopted with a set of epidemic prevention measures.

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Regardless of industry or nationality, migrant workers will be able to enter Taiwan. (Photo / Retrieved from the Shutterstock)

For the epidemic prevention, Su said that the restrictions would not specifically focus on the situation in countries of origin. Instead, the measures will be designed based on if people entering Taiwan are fully vaccinated.

One must possess a negative nucleic acid test (PCR) report within 3 days before boarding. After entering Taiwan, one must take PCR first and be isolated in a room, as well as follow the measures of the 14-day quarantine and 7-day self-management of health. Quarantine still follows group isolation or self-isolation, depending on the types of industry. The quarantine sites will follow the past regulations.

Once the project plan is passed, employers or manufacturers that meet the qualifications for hiring migrant workers can apply to the Ministry of Labor. The Ministry of Labor will also plan to hire migrant workers according to demand. Furthermore, the Ministry of Labor is also actively looking for other new source countries for migrant workers. Currently, it is targeting new countries under The New Southbound Policy and inquiring about their willingness.