Starting July 1, employers must arrange PCR tests for newly employed migrant workers

On July 1, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that starting today, the transfer of foreign workers working as home care workers and home helps to new employers consecutively hiring these two types of foreign workers (including a transfer resulting from the expiration of the employment contract) may be allowed again, whereas the transfer of foreign workers in other industries remains halted; the policy will be reviewed based on the status of the pandemic.

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Employers or intermediaries that do not arrange PCR tests for migrant workers will be fined. (Photo / Provided by the CDC) 

Deputy of the Ministry of Labor (MOL) Wang An-pang 王安邦 pointed out that employers who violate the regulations will be fined from NTD60,000 to NTD300,000 in accordance with Article 57, paragraph 9 of the Employment Service Act.

The CECC pointed out that employers who consecutively employ (including a transfer resulting from the expiration of the employment contract) foreign home care workers and home helps shall implement the following measures:

1. New employers consecutively employing the two types of foreign workers must arrange for newly employed live-in foreign workers to receive a COVID-19 PCR test in an accredited healthcare facility on the first day of employment (including a transfer resulting from the expiration of the employment contract), and testing fees should be paid by the new employer. 

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Migrant workers switching employers will be effective on July 1. (Photo / Provided by the CDC) 

2. If a foreign worker tests positive for COVID-19 by PCR testing, the new employer should abide by the Foreign Worker Employment Guidelines in Response to Severe Pneumonia with Novel Pathogens (COVID-19): Managing the Work, Life and Outdoor Activities of Foreign Workers issued by the Ministry of Labor and cooperate with medical attention, quarantine and treatment arranged by the health authorities. If a foreign worker tests negative by PCR testing, the new employer should, on a daily basis, continue to monitor his or her health status and keeps a record of places he or she visits.