The U.S. Department of State released the 2024 global anti-trafficking rankings on the 24th, and Taiwan was once again listed as a Tier 1 country among over 180 countries and regions. Minister of the Interior, Hsu Kuo-yung, stated that the Taiwanese government has actively implemented anti-trafficking measures and revised the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, earning international recognition.
The Ministry of the Interior issued the "2023-2024 Anti-Exploitation Action Plan" in April 2023. (Photo from motionelements.com)
Key Points from the Report
Minister Hsu noted that this year, the U.S. report provided 11 recommendations, including:
Amending labor laws to allow migrant workers to change jobs without employer consent during the contract period.
Expanding the "Online Direct Hiring Joint Service Center."
Continuing to strengthen the screening of vulnerable groups prone to trafficking.
Extending the coverage of fishery labor inspectors to all authorized overseas ports.
Promoting legislation to protect the labor rights of foreign domestic caregivers and domestic migrant workers.
The Ministry of the Interior has incorporated these recommendations into the "2023-2024 Anti-Exploitation Action Plan" issued in April 2023 and will promote them through inter-ministerial cooperation, with regular reviews and assessments.
Focus on Migrant Workers' Rights
Minister Hsu emphasized that the U.S. report highlighted the labor rights of foreign fishery workers and domestic migrant workers. The Executive Yuan places great importance on these issues and actively addresses them. The Ministry of the Interior will coordinate through the "Executive Yuan's Anti-Trafficking and Elimination of Racial Discrimination Task Force," integrating resources from various ministries and civil society to enhance efforts against human trafficking and ensure victim protection.
