According to POEA 2005 annual reports, Taiwan ranks fourth among the top OFW destinations. Be it factory workers caretakers, nursing aides, domestic helpers, entertainers or professionals (teachers, engineers, etc.), more and more Filipinos are considering working in Taiwan. As the statistics of Filipinos employed in Taiwan rise and as the window of opportunities in the said country widens; tips and information about working in Taiwan becomes a necessity.

Based on the amended Employment Service Act of Taiwan, foreigners are allowed to work in Taiwan for a maximum of six years. After this allowed period, a migrant worker can still be employed for another three years provided that he or she meets the following criteria:

1. No law was violated during his first employment.
2. Finished his first employment contract.
3. Has medical certificate to prove that one is physically fit to work after being sent home because of medical reasons.

POEA Memorandum Circular No. 19, Series 2001 states that working in Taiwan requires one to pay a placement fee which is equivalent to one month salary and documentation costs amounting to P10, 000.00 to a Philippine recruitment agency.

A broker’s fee should also be paid to a Taiwanese broker. This fee will be deducted monthly in the migrant worker’s salary. Below is the corresponding amount:

1st   year - NT$1,800/month

2nd year - NT$1,700/month 

3rd year - NT$1,500/month

As of this writing, the CLA is yet to state the amount for the 4^th to 6th year. However, it is recommended to collect NT$1,500 for the services, handling, and transportation, regardless if a worker is working for the same superior or transferred to a new employer.

A Taiwanese broker should provide the following services:

Assistance at the airport upon arrival and departure.

Food and transportation during a medical examination. 

Food and lodging when a migrant worker is transferred to a new employer.  

Processing of Alien Registration Certificate (ARC)

On-site orientation

Assistance in situation when an employer is sent home.

Serves as arbiter between an employer and migrant worker if disagreements arise.

Help and assists in filing information/ documents/ case at the proper agencies in Taiwan like tax bureau, policy, labor bureau, and others.

Helps and assists in bank transactions and sending money remittances.

Should secure the safety of the worker at all times and ensure that the allotted benefits for the worker or its beneficiary should be given at the soonest time possible.

Salary Rates and Working Hours

Working hours and salary rates should be clearly stated in the employment contract signed both by the employer and employee. The minimum salary is NT$ 15,840. For institutions under the Labor Standards of Law, regular working hours should not exceed up to 8 hours daily. Total working hours for two weeks should not go beyond 84 hours. Rates for overtime work should be in accordance with what is stated in the current labor laws of Taiwan.

Vacation Leave and Day-Offs

For institutions under the Labor Standards of law, one day should be allotted as rest day after seven working days.  This does not include special holidays. Working on a holiday entails double pay. Those who were able to work for a year is entitled to a one-week vacation leave

Work-Related Accidents and Disabilities

If an accident that results in sickness, disability, being physically incapacitated, or death occur during one’s time of employment, the employer is eligible to cover all expenses. Employees who develop a disease because of the nature of his or her job should be given an ample amount of time to recuperate before returning to work.

Work-Related Conflicts

Disagreements between an employer and a foreign employee are resolved according to the regulations of the Labor Dispute Law. Migrant workers who have problems with their employers can file complaints or other concerns at the following offices.

     1.  Local Labor Office (a formal letter requesting for amicable settlement between   employer and employee is required)

2.             Council of Labor Affairs

3.             MECO Labor Center