Taipei: In a bid to tackle its labor shortage, Taiwan and India inked a pact on Friday, signaling the arrival of Indian migrant workers to the island nation.
Renowned for its semiconductor manufacturing, Taiwan faces demographic challenges due to its aging population. Currently, the island relies heavily on migrant workers from Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, predominantly in manufacturing and eldercare roles.
The Ministry of Labour in Taiwan confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the de facto embassies in Taipei and Delhi. However, the precise implementation details are still being finalized.
Acknowledging the growing demand for labor across various sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, Taiwan expressed its inability to fulfill this demand domestically. “The quality of Indian labor is stable, they are hardworking and well-regarded,” stated the ministry.
Taiwan’s labor ministry outlined plans for a modest pilot program initially, with the potential for expansion based on its success. However, the exact number of Indian workers to be admitted is yet to be determined, refuting earlier claims of accommodating up to 100,000 workers.
Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between India and Taiwan, a robust economic partnership exists, with India actively courting Taiwanese tech firms for investment and manufacturing ventures.
This initiative also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, notably India’s strained relations with China, particularly concerning border disputes, influencing its strategic engagements in the region.
