The "Latest Regulations on Agency Fees" for Foreign Caregivers has been released

According to the 4wayvoice, there are 730,000 people who need long-term care in Taiwan due to aging population. As many families seek assistance from foreign caregivers, nearly 90% of families chose to hire caregivers via agencies. The fees for applying for foreign caregivers are divided into three categories which are the agency fees for application, the monthly salary, insurance and health insurance for caregivers, and other miscellaneous expenses.

As for the foreign caregivers, they might face long working hours, low wage issues and dishonest agencies who charge extra fees.

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With an aging population in Taiwan, many families hire foreign caregivers through agencies. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)

According to Taiwan’s laws and regulations, agencies may charge employers registration fees and referral fees, and the fees must not exceed a monthly salary of foreign workers. Take caregivers as an example, agencies cannot charge fees more than NT$17,000.

The law also stipulates that the agency can charge foreigners for service fees, which shall not exceed NT$1,800 per month in the first year, NT$1,700 per month in the second year, and NT$1,500 in the third year and in the following years.

Exceeding the aforementioned amount of fees is an illegal act, and the “Service fees to buy the job” is not included. It is an illegal act for a Taiwanese agency to collect fees from the employer.

In addition, Taiwan’s current regulations stipulate that migrant worker do not need to pay "migration agency fees" to agencies. This means that they do not need to pay additional "migration agency fees" (commonly known as coffee money paid by exporting countries the to Taiwan agencies).

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If the foreign caregivers are charged an inexplicable fee, it can be reported. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)

To prevent agencies from asking migrant workers for extra fees, the Employment Services Act 40 is imposed.

One just need to attach the informant’s name, contact address or phone number and either of the information below. The identity card number, the number of the Alien Residence Certificate or passport number.

Besides, the name of the reported person, the name of the reported company (business name), the name of the person in charge, or the business address shall also be stated too.

And fill in relevant supporting materials such as the specific matters suspected of violation of the law, the place and time of violation, or proofs for investigation. After the case is established, the public authority will send a reward notice and issue a reward of NT$20,000 for reporting.