Taipei, Nov. 23 (CNA) The non-profit Taiwan Association for India Studies stated Thursday that it helps the federal government progressively opening up sectors to Indian migrant staff, whereas calling for extra exchanges between Taiwan and the South Asian nation to advertise mutual understanding.

The assertion got here within the wake of an internet public backlash after an official supply stated earlier this month that Taiwan would signal a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India by the tip of the yr, in a bid to rent Indian migrant staff to assist handle the nation’s labor scarcity.

Since then, some netizens have posted feedback on the Ministry of Labor’s (MOL) Facebook web page and social media platforms similar to Dcard, suggesting that the coverage would endanger “Taiwanese women’s safety.”

A gaggle that opposes opening doorways to extra migrant employee supply international locations, arrange a Facebook web page urging folks to take to the road on Dec. 3 to oppose the federal government’s determination to rent migrant staff from extra international locations.

In response to the backlash, the affiliation stated in its assertion that numerous Indians work around the globe and are extremely praised by the worldwide group. Opening up sectors in Taiwan to Indian staff would additionally facilitate a greater partnership between the 2 international locations, it added.

Meanwhile, the affiliation stated that it was regrettable that there have been “discriminatory comments” made towards Indian staff, and vowed to assist Taiwanese folks overcome stereotypes about India by selling Indian analysis and cultural exchanges via panel discussions and boards.

The affiliation additionally reiterated that the backlash is a sign of the extent to which Taiwanese society is unfamiliar with Indian tradition, resulting in misunderstandings.

It recommended that associated businesses take mandatory strikes to advertise exchanges between Taiwan and India in areas similar to media, youth, schooling and tradition, in order that Taiwanese folks can higher perceive Indian society and the significance of the Taiwan-India relationship.

Meanwhile, the affiliation urged the federal government to overview present insurance policies associated to migrant staff and make enhancements in regards to the challenge of low wages in Taiwan.

Responding to the assertion, Su Kuo-yu (蘇國裕), head of the Cross-Border Workforce Management Division underneath the MOL, instructed CNA that the federal government nonetheless must finalize particulars of the MOU with India, together with particulars about related sectors and the variety of staff to be employed.

About 18 million Indian staff are employed in international locations around the globe, together with Australia, Japan, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, Su famous.

In addition, round 2,700 Indian staff are at present employed in skilled fields, such because the high-tech sector, in Taiwan, Su stated, expressing hope that Taiwanese folks can achieve a greater understanding of Indian staff.