Taiwan’s Center for Epidemic Management Command (CECC) on Monday (30/11) announced that it would impose a ban on all Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) from entering its territory, starting Friday (4/12) to Friday (18/12) due to cases of the virus. Corona virus is increasing in Southeast Asian countries, Wednesday (2/12/2020).
Reporting from Taiwan News, during a press conference on Monday afternoon, the Minister of Health and Welfare and the head of the CECC Chen Shih-chung (陳) announced that amid the severe spike in coronavirus cases in Indonesia and in order to reduce the possibility of the entry of infected PMIs into the his territory. In the coming weeks, Taiwanese authorities will bar all PMI from entering Taiwan until December 18, at which time it will be determined whether the authorities relax or tighten the country’s travel restrictions.
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOL), since March 17 this year, all migrant workers arriving in Taiwan must undergo a 14-day quarantine. Since then, 7,279 Indonesian migrant workers have entered Indonesia, including 5,437 for social welfare and 1,842 for industrial positions.
Due to the discovery of confirmed coronavirus cases among PMIs who had just arrived in Taiwan in recent weeks, Chuang announced on November 20 that all Indonesian migrant workers who have entered the country from that date onwards, must undergo their quarantine at an official quarantine center. to ensure epidemic prevention. In addition, the operations of eight Indonesian labor agencies have been suspended in Taiwan to strengthen border controls.
According to MOL statistics, the average weekly number of PMIs entering Taiwan in November was 677. This two-week suspension is expected to reduce the number of PMIs arriving in the country by 1,350. If a follow-up assessment determines that Indonesian migrant workers can be allowed into the country, the number will be reduced by half, and that translates to a maximum of 339 Indonesian workers arriving in Taiwan per week.
Since PMI will not be able to enter, employers who need workers can contact local employment services agencies to recruit PMIs already in Taiwan or migrant workers from other countries. Persons with disabilities who need treatment can call the long-term care hotline “1966” or consult a local long-term care management center. For relevant application procedures, the government recommends calling MOL at 02-8995-6000.
