Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/07/05
By: Wang Cheng-chung and Elizabeth Hsu

Taipei, July 5 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan was surrounded by two groups of protesters Tuesday, with one opposing and the other supporting a proposed amendment that would end a requirement that foreign workers leave Taiwan after working here for three years.

The revision to the Employment Service Act, which passed an initial review by the Legislature on June 22, would allow foreign workers who have worked in Taiwan for three years — the longest contract allowed — to be re-hired without having to leave the country for at least one day.

Workforce Development Agency Director-General Huang Chiu-kuei (黃秋桂) has said the measure would have several benefits, including saving employers or foreign workers travel expenses.

But there is no clear direction yet on what the new measure would mean for the brokers’ fees foreign workers have to pay or what kind of system would be in place if migrant workers want to stay in Taiwan but want to work for another employer.     [FULL  STORY]