Do’s and Don’ts while Working in Taiwan

As a migrant worker, you have your rights and privileges but along with it are expected responsibilities that you should always be aware of:

Do’s

1. Follow all rules and carry out all duties that are written in the employment contract.

2. Be industrious and hardworking.

3. Be honest with your employer.

4. Respect the confidentiality of your work.

Don’ts

You are not allowed to:

1. Work for an employer other than the one that is written in your contract. You can only work for other employer if your current employer cannot follow with your employment terms and conditions. A permit from CLA should be secured if one wants to work for another employer.

2. Carry out prohibited tasks.

3. Refuse to undergo medical examination

4. Disobey any rules in the employment service that has something to do with the administration of foreign employee:

         1. Violate other rules in Taiwan.

       2. Falsification of documents or work permit.

       3. Overstaying

Guidelines for Taiwan employers

1. It is illegal to keep or hold the personal documents of a foreign worker like passport, ARC or money without the consent of the worker.

2. An employer can terminate a Filipino employee if the following occur:

1. Bankruptcy, suspension, or if the employer is moving his business to a new location. In the said cases, employer should inform the employee in advance.
2. If the employee is taking prohibited drugs.
3. Falsification of documents or telling false information to obtain a work permit.
4. Stealing 

Law Violations

Upon completion of employment contract, there are cases when a Filipino worker would run away or hide under a different identity to prolong his or her stay in Taiwan. A Filipino worker is considered a runaway if he or she fails to return to the job or to an employer after 72 hours. If caught, he will be detained and immediately deported back to the Philippines. An amount of NT$ 30,000 to NT$ 150,000 will be charged to a foreign employee if he or she is able to find employment while the status is illegal.

Maltreatment

The following can be considered as ill-treatment or abuse on the part of the employer:

a. Frequent scolding without valid reasons.

b. Physical and verbal abuse

c. Forced labor in fields, restaurant, or home of the employer’s relatives.

d. Gives no compensation for overtime.

All violations and abuse of a Taiwanese employer should be reported to the broker or CLA.

Tax Payment

All foreign workers are required to pay tax based on the progressive rate of 6% up to 40% from your earnings.  Included in your earnings that are subjected to tax payment are salary, bonuses, interest and other wages in Taiwan.

Tax Exemption

Overtime pay that doesn’t exceed 46 hours is exempted from tax deductions. Foreign employees that are able to work for 183 days for a period of one year are considered residents and are entitled 6-10% tax rates. Those who worked for less than 183 days are considered non-residents and are charged 20% tax.

Tax Refund

The Tax Bureau reimburses all deductions for tax that surpass the actual amount that has to be paid in a year. The check can be claim three to six months after processing. Taxpayer can give authorization to a trusted person if he or she is no longer staying in Taiwan.

Labor Insurance

A foreign worker working for a company that has five or more employees is entitled to labor insurance. This should be paid by the employer. Household workers may be given labor insurance depending on the decision of the employer.

Medical Insurance

All foreign workers with ARC is covered by the National Health Insurance.

Social Security

The Social Welfare program of Taiwan offers benefits for disability, sickness, maternity, care for the elderly, and other job-related accidents. These services are possible because of the contributions made by the employer.

The Labor Standards Law of Taiwan appoints various government units to supervise the employment of foreign nationals. 

Workers in the field of construction, factory, and other local industry are under the direct management of the Council of Labor affairs (CLA).

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) takes care of the welfare and processing of work permit of skilled workers

Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) is responsible for the welfare and processing of work permit of hotel workers.

Council of Agriculture is responsible for the welfare and processing of work permit of fishermen.

Ministry of Education is responsible for the welfare and processing of work permit of performing artists like entertainers, singers, and dancers.

Terms of employment of domestic helpers and caretakers is determined by the provisions in their signed employment contract.

Researching about the country of destination is a must for all planning to work abroad. More than the needed documents and papers, one must take time to strengthen one’s emotion, knowledge, and strength of character for it is a decision that involves your dream and future.