Taiwan wants Indian workers to move in and ease a worsening job crunch

In a significant development fostering stronger ties between India and Taiwan, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked on Friday, opening doors for Indian migrant workers to explore job opportunities in Taiwan.

"Taiwan-India relations reach a new high! The MOU on the Facilitation of Employment of Indian Workers, signed by @TWIndia2 Rep. Ger & @ita_taipei Rep Yadav," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan (@MOFA_Taiwan) announced the milestone in a post on social media platform X. The MoU is seen as a step towards mutual benefits, igniting a robust momentum for deeper cooperation between the two nations.



This collaborative effort comes at a critical juncture when Taipei, facing labor shortages, is diversifying its foreign workforce beyond the conventional Southeast Asian sources. Taiwan, renowned for its semiconductor production and grappling with an aging population, currently relies on over 700,000 migrant workers primarily from Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. These workers are primarily engaged in manufacturing and serve as home assistants for the elderly, according to Reuters.

While the MoU has been officially signed between the de facto embassies of the two nations in Taipei and New Delhi, the specifics of its implementation are still in the process of being finalized, as reported by Reuters citing Taiwan's Ministry of Labour.

India, like many other countries, does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. However, the commercial partnership between India and Taiwan remains robust, with efforts to attract Taiwanese technology businesses for investment and production in India.

The Ministry emphasized that Taiwan is grappling with a growing demand for human resources in vital sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Consequently, there has been a consistent increase in the demand for migrant workers to address these shortages, presenting an opportune moment for Indian workers to contribute to Taiwan's workforce and further enhance the bilateral relationship.

with agency inputs

10 countries with 4-day work weeks

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The catch is that total working hours remains the same in a 4-day work week as it is in a 5-day work week - 40 hours.

The catch is that total working hours remains the same in a 4-day work week as it is in a 5-day work week - 40 hours.

While there is no official mandate, people work for 29 hours a week.

While there is no official mandate, people work for 29 hours a week.

Denmark has the second shortest working hours per week at 33 hours.

Denmark has the second shortest working hours per week at 33 hours.

20 companies in Australia are practicing a 4-day work week in a pilot run.

20 companies in Australia are practicing a 4-day work week in a pilot run.

Japan govt is encouraging 4-day work weeks to prevent 'karoshi' which translates to "death by overwork".

Japan govt is encouraging 4-day work weeks to prevent 'karoshi' which translates to "death by overwork".

The govt plans to invest 50 million euros for a 4-day work week trial which will run for three years.

The govt plans to invest 50 million euros for a 4-day work week trial which will run for three years.

The UK conducted a 4-day work week trial where 60 one companies and over 300 employees participated.

The UK conducted a 4-day work week trial where 60 one companies and over 300 employees participated.

Public sector companies have a 4 day work week.

Public sector companies have a 4 day work week.

Starting a trial in April.

Starting a trial in April.

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