Migrant workers and labor rights groups gathered in Taipei to demand the end of Taiwan’s 12- to 14-year cap on migrant worker contracts. Demonstrators say the time limits prevent workers from settling long-term, even if they meet strict government criteria. Caretakers and industrial workers also called for their labor to be recognized as skilled, criticizing the existing assessment system as restrictive and overly favorable to employers.
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00:00Labor groups in Taipei are calling for an end to the 12 to 14-year time limit for migrant workers to stay in Taiwan.
00:21Migrant workers in Taiwan are currently only allowed to stay for a certain number of years before they must return home,
00:27a system which prevents long-term settlements in the country.
00:30Activists are also demanding reform of a scheme that allows longer-term settlements,
00:35saying that conditions to qualify are too challenging.
00:38Critics say that migrant workers have to shoulder huge fees
00:41and that retention under the current system is only up to the employers.
00:45Caretakers also called for their work to be recognized as skilled.
00:49We are skilled. Our labor is essential.
00:53Our years of work experience is with commitment.
00:55Don't treat us as if we are temporary.
01:01A representative from the labor ministry said they will review the petition
01:04and consider the migrant workers' demands.