The Ministry of Labor: Forced vaccination of migrant workers is illegal

According to the vaccination rules of the Central Epidemic Command Center (指揮中心), if migrant workers are eligible for vaccination, they can register at the "COVID-19 Public Vaccine and Appointment Registration Platform" (COVID-19公費疫苗預約平台). The Ministry of Labor (勞動部) pointed out that even if vaccination is not mandatory, employers or manpower agencies should encourage migrant workers to get vaccinated and assist migrant workers in making appointments. However, they should respect their willingness to vaccinate and should not force workers to get vaccinated.

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Migrant workers may go to the "vaccine appointment platform" to register. Photo/ provided by the CECC

The CECC has opened for all categories and for Taiwan nationals over the age of 18 to make an appointment by logging in to the "COVID-19 Vaccine Registration and Appointment System". Migrant workers can also log in online to make appointments and proceed to the designated location at the appointment time. The Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) encourages qualified migrant workers to be vaccinated as soon as possible. The MOL has translated the appointment procedure into four languages and uploaded it on the website or actively promoted it through "Line@移点通" to help migrant workers make an appointment for vaccination. If there are side effects or adverse reactions after the migrant workers are vaccinated, the employers or the manpower agencies should assist the migrant workers to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

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Employers who force migrant workers to get vaccinations is in violation of criminal law. Photo/Retrieved from "Central News Agency"

In response to some employers or manpower agencies who force vaccinations against the wishes of migrant workers, or force migrant workers against their rights, the MOL stated that the current vaccination may have medical risks, and migrant workers are also protected by the law. If employers, directly or indirectly, force migrant workers to be vaccinated, they are already involved in violation of Article 304 of the Criminal Law for compulsory crimes, and they will be transferred to judicial authorities for investigation and punishment in accordance with the Employment Service Law.