The present maximum period migrant workers may work in Taiwan is 14 years.
Those who are fortunate, they make money “in peace” and go back home to be reunited with their real family. Those who have come to the shelter, are often the “not-so-smooth sailing” group. No one wants to stay in the shelter for a long time. They all hope that their previous employer quickly sign the Consent for Transfer certificate. Some hope for the fast outcome of the lawsuit, find a good new employer, and to be transferred as soon as possible. After all, this place is not their real home.
However, their fellow countrymen, together with the staff in the Center and Shelter, accompany each other during the days of long wait. They face labor disputes together, attend legal proceedings, go to the employment service office for interview with the prospective employers, establishing a special friendship in the process. The shelter is like a mother’s home in Taiwan. And today, it is nice to be back home!
How’s life after shelter?
Early that morning, the migrant workers arrived at the Rerum Novarum Center. Upon entering the Center, some greeted a familiar “hello”, some embraced each other. They shared their recent work experiences, happy and sad. They listened intently to the guest speaker’s talk on legal and human rights, even participated in the Q&A session, wherein the person with the correct answer received a little present. During lunch, the Center prepared some southeast Asian dishes including Indonesian Tumeric Rice, Tempe, shrimp crackers, Vietnamese spring rolls, spaghetti, among others.
A-Xin said that she enjoyed this rare occasion of taking the day off, relax and meet friends and acquaintances. In anticipation of an “experience sharing” session, she has prepared a two-page write-up of her 12-year stay in Taiwan. Tina said she treats grandmother as her family, taking very good care of her. Ani said her present employer is very generous, pays her extra and allows her to take off. Mini said her present work situation is very much better than before, she now can use her mobile phone to video call her child and husband during her free time.
Of course, their story is not all positive and inspirational. A-Ti takes care of an old woman suffering from dementia, and has a bad temper. She has to be always careful. A-Xing cried when her ward (an old couple) whom she cared for nine years passed away. This group of caregivers have to maintain the spirit of "hard work but have to endure", "accompany the elderly", "make money to support the family" , to be able to bear the sorrows and pressure involved in caregiving. Others spoke with optimism, appreciating the opportunity to be able to have a day off, and participate in this annual event. Perhaps, they have gone through the most bitter period, and already have a normal working situation. Having seen their smiling faces, the social workers also feel happy for them,
The migrant workers each wrote down their wishes, and expectations for the near future, dropped the slips of paper into the tin box. As they go back to their place of work and continue to face life’s struggles, they shall look forward to the next homecoming to see if their wish of owning a house, or getting married, or simple aspirations have been fulfilled. Taiwan can also be a safe place for people to build their dreams.
The Rerum Novarum Center has long been committed to safeguard the rights and safety of the migrant workers, the elderly’s security and health, the concerns of the employers, in order to maintain a harmonious society.Our services are sustained by your help and generous donations.
Please click "I want to donate" or call (02) 2397-1933 # 122 Miss Qin. We thank you for your kind support.