"Filming documentaries and dramas" for migrant workers are cultural exchanges. Ministry of Labor: No penalty is given.

Migrant workers are invited to participate in cultural exchanges such as filming dramas, volunteering, etc. Is this considered as working? Ministry of Labor recently pointed out foreigners doing works which are not normative or not requiring work permit do not have to be given penalty. For example, course internships, or trainings, complementary services, social gatherings, and other acts that are not for the purpose of providing labor services to anyone in the country. If the works do not hinder the employment opportunities of Taiwan citizens, no penalty will be given.  

Read More: Taiwan loosens COVID restrictions at cinemas, theaters, sports venues 

"Filming documentaries and dramas" for migrant workers are cultural exchanges.  

(Photo / Retrieved from Shutterstock gallery) 

According to the e Employment Services Act, “Foreigners are not allowed to work in the Republic of China without the employer’s application.” However, if migrant workers participate as museum docents, multicultural course lecturers, cultural event planners or performance personnel, interpreters, volunteers, or joining performance celebrations, accepting media interviews, acting in drama roles, etc., are not considered working with prerequisites. For example, migrant workers participate in drama filming is not considered working if the role and content is for a documentary related to migrant issues. 

Read More: Attention new immigrants! Workers with “employment insurance” who are dismissed from work due to the epidemic can receive unemployment benefits 

Employers hire unlicensed labors will be fined. (Photo / Provided by Ministry of Labor) 

According to the Ministry of Labor, other common examples include being invited to participate in migration celebrations or events because of heir talents, being interviewed by the news media, serving as an interpreter, participating in complementary services, or participating in volunteer services or community charitable activities are also not within the scope of working. 

In addition, if the employer hires unlicensed workers in Taiwan, he can be fined NT$150,000 to NT$750,000, and the foreigner can be fined NT$30,000 to NT$150,000 and the employment permit will be revoked.