Taiwan: A better labor market for OFWs

Having been posted in Malaysia, Kuwait and now, Central Taiwan, this writer can very well say that Taiwan is the best labor market, not to include Europe and North America. There are only 80,000 OFWs in Taiwan today while there are 280,000 in Kuwait and more than 120,000 in Malaysia. But the Filipino workers in Taiwan earn more money, even as they also pay more to their recruiters, brokers and lending companies.

 The minimum salary for factory workers in Taiwan is the equivalent of more than 20 their agencies, P6,000 less in brokersÆ fees and board and lodging. Their net income, without overtime pay is not less than P20,000. Not bad for college undergraduates who work here in the electronics and related industries.

 In Kuwait, the similarly-situated workers will be lucky if they net P15,000 a month. The same is true in Malaysia. The caregivers in Taiwan earn a gross of more than P22,000 less in brokersÆ fees. They would usually net about P18,000 compared to the domestic helpers in Kuwait who earn just about P10,000 and P12,000 in Malaysia.

 In Taiwan, however, the OFWs pay a lot of money to their agencies, ranging from a high of P160,000 to a low of P80,000, which are, of course, illegal and excessive. Besides, these onerous placement and other exactions are usually funded by lending companies that have alliances with the recruitment firms. The payment is done through salary deductions or remittances being enforced by brokers who are controlling the labor markets on-site.

 The OFWs also pay a monthly fee to their Taiwan brokers, a scheme which is allowed and protected by Taiwan laws. Factory workers also pay board and lodging to the employers or the brokers, depending on who is providing these services. All the above, notwithstanding, and considering all factors, the Taiwan labor market is better than Kuwait and Malaysia.

 In Taiwan, the working conditions are much better than in other destinations for OFWs. I always insist on inspecting the work premises and the housing units for our workers before I approve job orders presented by brokers and employers for my verification. The laws in Taiwan are very strict in the protection of workersÆ health, safety and welfare. We donÆt have similar safety nets in Kuwait and in Malaysia and other labor destinations.

 The workers in the factory are allowed one rest day every week, and they are entitled to all labor standards benefits like leaves for sickness and vacations. They are also entitled to health and life insurance and they are allowed to study during their rest days. Hence, I am conducting several training and seminars for our migrant workers.

 The OFWs in Taiwan are very young, averaging 24 years old because the maximum time they can stay here to work is only 9 years. There are three Labor AttachΘs here taking care of the 80,000 workers; one in Taipei for North Taiwan, another in Kaohsiung for South Taiwan. I am in Taichung and I take care of Central Taiwan.

 In Kuwait, I was alone caring for 280,000 many of whom were in hospitals, detention centers and in our own center awaiting repatriation. In Taiwan, we have very few cases of abuses against our workers, and the few instances are being addressed with much urgency and care. Indeed, I can say, without fear of any strong contradiction, that the Taiwan labor market is one of the best that the Filipinos can venture into. I can vouch for Taiwan as a destination of choice for OFWs. You can mark my word for this.

* * *

Email: [email protected]