Tainan Immigration Busts 'Foreign Worker Group,' Detains 20 Thai Nationals

Tainan immigration authorities, in collaboration with the Tainan City Labor Bureau, raided a workshop in Xuejia District, apprehending 20 Thai nationals who were staying in Taiwan illegally and working without proper authorization. During the operation, some individuals attempted to escape, with one person hiding behind a sofa for half an hour before being caught.

Further investigation revealed that two Thai women had been acting as illegal brokers, charging between NT$1,000 and NT$5,000 per person to arrange temporary work for their fellow countrymen. These two women have been transferred to the Tainan District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of violating the Employment Service Act. The Taiwanese employer who hired the group has also been referred to the relevant labor authority for penalties.

The 20 Thai individuals admitted to being employed by a Taiwanese employer surnamed Guo, who allegedly undertook various temporary labor contracts. Guo was responsible for assigning work, providing transportation, distributing wages, and arranging accommodation. The jobs performed included work in chicken farms, painting, and construction tasks like carrying cement and bricks, with a daily wage of NT$1,000 per person.

Huang Zhongjie, head of the Tainan City Special Investigation Team, urged foreign workers to adhere to legal employment permits. He warned that working outside of authorized permits offers no legal protection and can leave individuals vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous employers or brokers. The immigration agency pledged to continue strict enforcement against illegal brokers to protect the rights of legal workers.