The Taiwan Labor Ministry found itself in hot water after Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun made remarks about the planned recruitment of Indian migrant workers that sparked accusations of racism. Hsu’s comments, perceived as discriminatory, led to a public outcry, prompting both the Labor Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue apologies.
In an interview, Minister Hsu had stated that the ministry would prioritize recruiting workers from northeastern India because ‘their skin colour and dietary habits are closer to ours.’ She also highlighted the skills of individuals in this region, predominantly Christians, in manufacturing, construction, and farming.
However, during a legislative hearing on Tuesday, Hsu expressed regret for her ‘inaccurate’ comments and clarified that Taiwan’s labor policies aim for equality without discrimination, whether for local or foreign workers. She emphasized her intention to highlight the abilities and performance of Indian workers while dissociating from any discriminatory motives.
Legislator Chen Kuan-ting of the Democratic Progressive Party strongly condemned Hsu’s remarks, asserting that skin color and race should not be criteria for recruiting migrant workers.
Responding to the backlash, both the Labor Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued apologies. The Labor Ministry apologized for Hsu’s ‘inaccurate’ choice of words and clarified that the comments were not meant to discriminate. Similarly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the ‘not entirely appropriate’ narratives surrounding the planned recruitment of Indian workers and emphasized Taiwan’s respect for India’s diverse culture and friendship between the two nations.
The ministries expressed hope that the people of Taiwan would support the country’s efforts to engage with the world and advance substantive interactions with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, aiming to strengthen reciprocal and mutually beneficial exchanges.
The incident underscores the importance of sensitivity and inclusivity in public discourse, particularly concerning labor policies and international relations.
Read Now:New Quantum Computing Institute in Geneva Aims for Common Good
