As a recent cold snap brought sudden temperature drops, the Keelung City Social Affairs Bureau teamed up with the Taipei Ricci Social Service Center of the Jesuit Society and other organizations to visit Dawulun Fishing Port, Zhengbin Fishing Port, Badouzi Fishing Port, and Changtanli Fishing Port. They distributed winter necessities such as clothing, blankets, and wool hats, ensuring foreign fishermen felt warmth during the harsh winter. The event also attracted foreign caregivers from nearby ports, joining together to endure the cold season.
As a cold wave hits recently, the Keelung City Government Social Affairs Department, in collaboration with civic organizations, has distributed clothing, blankets, and hats to foreign fishery workers to help them stay warm (Photo/Source: Keelung Social Affairs Department).
The Keelung Social Affairs Bureau expressed gratitude for the participation of organizations such as the Taipei Ricci Social Service Center, Keelung Fishermen's Association, Keelung City Police Department, and legal private employment agencies. Their collective efforts made the 113th End-of-Year Winter Aid event a success, recognizing the vital contributions of foreign workers to economic development, long-term care, and the fishing industry.
Additionally, the city government conducted legal awareness education, reminding foreign workers to guard against fraud and human trafficking. Through bilingual interpreters, they emphasized new regulations on micro-electric scooters, driving safety, and the importance of safeguarding personal documents, urging workers not to lend out their identification papers lightly.
The city government is simultaneously conducting legal education campaigns to remind foreign workers to guard against fraud and human trafficking (Photo/Source: Keelung Social Affairs Department).
Yang Yu-Hsin, Director of the Social Affairs Bureau, highlighted that foreign workers unfamiliar with Taiwan’s laws are often targeted by fraudsters, leading them to unknowingly break the law or become victims. She cautioned that scams frequently use "small investments" or "high-paying, easy jobs" as bait, luring workers into schemes that could even involve human trafficking crimes. Workers are advised to consult through legal channels, verify information carefully, and not believe rumors to avoid falling prey to false promises of high rewards.
Director Yang emphasized that preventing fraud is crucial to protecting one’s rights. The government and private organizations will continue to collaborate to create a friendlier and safer environment for migrant workers, ensuring they feel respected and cared for in Taiwan.
The Keelung City Government provides a consultation hotline for workers at (02-24278683) and a 1955 labor consultation and complaint hotline. Foreign crew members can also contact the Keelung Seafarers’ Union to address their needs and assist with resolving living and work-related issues.
