Taiwan’s Plan to Recruit Indian Migrant Workers Faces Growing Backlash

Taipei, April 15, 2026 – Taiwan’s ambitious plan to import migrant workers from India to ease its severe labour shortage is hanging in the balance amid fierce public opposition and political controversy.
The island nation, grappling with an aging population and ultra-low birth rates, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with India in February 2024 to bring in workers for sectors like manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and cargo handling. Labour Minister Hung Sun-han told the legislature last week that the first batch of around 1,000 Indian workers could arrive as early as the end of 2026, depending on industry demand and whether India meets Taiwan’s strict requirements.
However, the proposal has triggered a storm of criticism. An online petition launched on April 3 demanding the government halt the plan for “public safety and gender equality” has gathered over 34,000 signatures in days. Critics, including opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers, argue the move risks exacerbating existing problems in Taiwan’s migrant labour system, particularly worker absconding. They cite high risks and have voiced concerns over potential impacts on women’s safety, referencing crime statistics from India.
The KMT caucus has declared full opposition until robust safeguards are in place. Minister Hung has responded by emphasising that the plan will undergo careful review and proceed only if conditions are fully met.
Taiwan projects a labour deficit of hundreds of thousands by 2030. While the government insists the initial intake will be limited and controlled, the debate highlights deep societal anxieties and political divisions over immigration and labour policy. Negotiations continue, but the future of the India-Taiwan worker scheme remains uncertain.