On Saturday, the Taiwanese Labor Minister, Hsu Ming-Chun, said that the government doesn’t plan to bring in up to 100,000 migrant workers from India to Taiwan. This comes as a response to claims by Kuomintang (KMT) presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih, who said there was a signed agreement (MOU) between Taiwan and India for Indian migrant workers to come.
Hsu clarified that Taiwan hasn’t signed any agreement (MoU) with India about hiring migrant workers from India. He stressed that they’re continually evaluating the situation in terms of working together. Hsu denied the idea that Taiwan was thinking of allowing many Indian workers, calling these claims “fake” and saying they’re from “ill-intentioned people” trying to sway public opinion for votes.
The controversy started when Hou Yu-ih mentioned a media report suggesting a possible agreement (MOU) between Taiwan and India, including plans for an “employment mobility agreement.” The report, citing “senior officials familiar with the matter,” said an agreement to bring in “as many as 100,000” migrant workers from India could happen as early as December.
Hsu Ming-Chun’s statement aimed to counter these claims and make it clear that no such agreement exists. He also addressed conflicting statements from his side, admitting that although he mentioned in November that Taiwan and India might sign an MOU by the year-end, he later clarified in December that no date had been set for signing.
Hou Yu-ih’s campaign office asked Hsu for more clarity on when the MOU would be signed and how many Indian workers would come to Taiwan as per the supposed pact. This situation highlights a disagreement over the alleged agreement and the need for the government to be clear about its position.
