In response to the proposal of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Taiwan and labor sending countries namely, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Mongolia, the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) of Taiwan has launched the Foreign Workers Assistance Service Center at Terminal 1 of the Chiang Kai Shek International Airport in Taipei on 16 January 2006.

The Center provides services and assistance to arriving and departing foreign workers. Filipino workers who are forcibly repatriated by their brokers or employers but do not board the plane can be assisted in settling their dispute at the airport. The Center is manned by personnel from the different foreign labor offices and is open daily from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, including Sundays.

There are two counters set up at the Departure and Arrival Area and an office with communication and conference facilities for use in the settlement of disputes. There are also available quarters where workers may stay or rest while awaiting the disposition of the case. The Center provides interpreters who can speak English, Mandarin and the native language of the migrants. In the case of the Philippines, Filipino interpreters at the Center can also speak Visayan and Ilocano.

For the information and guidance of all concerned.

Adopted: 02 Feb. 2006

(SGD.) ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS-BALDOZ
Administrator