Embedded Files
By: Francesca Tucci--Haack
Who Is Covered
Article 52 of the Taïwan’s Employment Service Act was originally intended to regulate the duration of employment for migrant (foreign) workers, particularly blue-collar workers.
Key Rights and Protections
Article 52 of Taiwan’s Employment Service Act prohibits employers from charging foreign workers any fees related to employment, requires clear and lawful employment contracts, and imposes penalties for any violations of these provisions.
Migrant workers face a total cap of 12 years working in Taiwan (each permit lasts up to 3 years), regardless of employer changes, after which no further work permits can be issued. (52 E.S.A. § 2003)
Migrant workers whose employment ends legally or whose permit expires, or who return home for health reasons and later get re-approved, can re-enter and continue working, provided they do not exceed the cumulative caps. (52 E.S.A. § 2003)
Employers who refuse a foreign worker’s request to return home may be fined NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 and risk losing their recruitment permit. (52 E.S.A. § 2003)
Employers charging illegal fees or violating employment laws face fines from NT$150,000 to NT$750,000, and repeat offenders may face imprisonment and fines up to NT$1,200,000. (52 E.S.A. § 2003)
Common Violations
● Use of Brokers or Middlemen Exploiting Workers
● Health and Safety Risks During Permit Lapses
● Unpaid or Withheld Wages During Extension Processes
● Illegal Extensions or Permit Forgery
What Workers Should Know
● All workers are considered for these acts and laws, including migrant workers
● Basic labor rights are guaranteed for all such as minimum wage, working hours and overtime pay, rest days and holidays, paid leave, safe working conditions, protection from unfair termination, protection from trafficking and exploitation
Where to Get Help
The Ministry of Labor of Taïwan has a hotline (1955) and a special one regarding human trafficking (0800-885-888), a website in multiple languages with information about labor rights, work permits, complaints, and mediation, and offices across Taiwan that provide in-person assistance.
Many local NGOs and their service centers help migrant workers (with pro bono legal help for example) such as Taiwan International Workers’ Association (TIWA), Migrant Empowerment Network (MEN), Migrant Workers’ Community (MWC), Catholic Migrant Ministry
Reporting anonymously to the Ministry of Labor leads to labor inspections
Free legal assistance with the Legal Aid Foundation
Taiwan’s National Health Insurance covers migrant workers, hospital or clinic social workers can offer assistance
The home country’s embassy or representative office in Taiwan can offer consular assistance, legal advice, and emergency help
Sources
Ministry of Labor, Taiwan. (2023). Labor Standards Act. retrieved from https://laws.mol.gov.tw/eng/EngContent.aspx?msgid=68
Ministry of Labor, Taiwan. (2025). Employment Services Act. Retrieved from https://english.mol.gov.tw/21004/21005/49299/49306/post
Taiwan International Workers’ Association. (2025). Migrant worker issues. Retrieved from https://tiwa.org.tw/%e7%a7%bb%e5%b7%a5%e8%ad%b0%e9%a1%8c/
Lin, A. (2023). A story of exclusion: Foreign migrant workers in Taiwan. Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy. Retrieved from https://publications.lawschool.cornell.edu/jlpp/2023/11/04/a-story-of-exclusion-foreign-migrant-workers-in-taiwan/
Global Taiwan Institute. (2023). Reform Taiwan’s labor laws to better prevent forced labor. Retrieved from https://globaltaiwan.org/2023/06/reform-taiwans-labor-laws-to-better-prevent-forced-labor/
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