The processing of documentary requirements has slowed down the pace of deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) to Taiwan, according to a labor official.
Philippine labor attache in Taiwan Ceasar L. Chavez said only a few of the 5,000 OFWs, who were affected by the Taiwanese government’s temporary ban for the entry of migrant workers, were deployed this week.
“Some are renewing their visa, while others are still complying with the pre-deployment health protocols being implemented by Taiwan,” Chavez said in a televised interview last Thursday.
“We expect more [OFWs] will enter Taiwan next week, but for now we only have individual arrivals,” he added.
He said they are anticipating 15,000 newly hired and 25,000 rehired OFWs will arrive in Taiwan in the coming months.
Taiwan finally resumed allowing entry for migrant workers after it was temporarily suspended due to the influx of Taiwanese nationals, who went home in time for the Chinese New Year earlier this month.
The Taiwanese enforced strict quarantine protocols for all arriving travelers to prevent the entry of more novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases within its borders.
Chavez said Taiwan is in need of additional migrant workers as previously China-based firms opted to resettle within its borders.
“So we are expecting Taiwan will need thousands of additional factory workers in the coming months and years. For now, Taiwan admits it has a big labor shortage especially for manufacturing that is why they opened their doors to more migrant workers,” Chavez said.
He said there are currently an estimated 160,000 Filipinos in Taiwan. Of which, 142,000 are OFWs, who work in the manufacturing sector or as caretakers and household service workers.
