Summary
The number of undocumented migrant workers in Taiwan is increasing, with many blaming the broker system for their situation. Bernard, a Filipino migrant, became undocumented after issues with his broker and now works jobs illegally to support his family.
Key Facts
- Bernard is a 45-year-old Filipino migrant worker in Taiwan.
- He became undocumented in June 2024 after issues with his employment broker.
- Brokers in Taiwan can heavily influence migrant workers' living and working conditions.
- Migrant workers often pay brokers monthly fees and other charges.
- As of January 2025, there were 90,000 undocumented migrants in Taiwan.
- Vietnamese migrants made up the largest group of undocumented workers, followed by Indonesians and Filipinos.
- Over a third of complaints from migrants to Taiwan's Ministry of Labor involve brokers.
- The broker system was established in 1992 to manage labor recruitment in Taiwan.
