Recruitment agencies protest labor bill; workers rally in favor

The China Post
Date: July 6, 2016
By: Christine Chou

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Six major migrant recruitment agencies protested outside the Legislative Yuan Tuesday morning against an amendment that would cancel requirements for migrants to leave Taiwan every three years, which the agencies claim will cost Taiwanese employers billions of New Taiwan dollars.

Opponents to the amendment were met in front of the Legislature by supporters of the law, who argue that the changes are necessary to prevent exploitation.

The protest comes after the Legislature passed a preliminary approval of amendments to the Employment Service Act (就業服務法) on June 22. The changes include the elimination of regulations that require foreign workers to leave the country for more than a day before returning to Taiwan for work every three years.

The amendment was hailed by migrant rights organizations as a step in the right direction. The Migrants Empowerment Network in Taiwan (MENT, 移工聯盟) stated that profits should not be earned by exploiting others.     [FULL  STORY]