TAIPEI, Taiwan (October 10, 2025)— Lawmakers have called on the government to allow furloughed migrant workers, particularly those affected by U.S. tariffs, to temporarily work in the agriculture sector to help address ongoing labor shortages.
During a legislative committee meeting, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chung Chia-pin (鍾佳濱) raised the proposal, noting that many foreign workers in the industrial sector have been placed on unpaid leave due to reduced production, yet are not eligible for any government support programs.
Chung emphasized that while Taiwanese workers can legally hold a second job, migrant workers are restricted to working only for their original employer under the Employment Service Act. He urged the government to consider easing this rule to allow industrial workers to assist in agriculture temporarily.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has already submitted a framework that would enable migrant workers from factories to help in farming,” Chung said. “It’s unfair that local workers can take second jobs, but migrant workers cannot, especially when there’s a clear need for farm labor.”
In response, Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) acknowledged the issue but said the proposal required careful review, as current laws restrict foreign workers to a single employer and industry to protect local employment rights.
Officials from the Ministry of Labor added that the restriction aims to prevent job competition between foreign and local workers. However, Chung argued that letting furloughed migrants help in agriculture would not threaten Taiwanese employment, as the sector continues to struggle with chronic labor shortages.
The discussion highlights an ongoing policy debate about balancing labor protection and flexibility amid shifting global economic conditions affecting Taiwan’s export industries.