Taiwan’s Labour Minister, Hsu Ming-chun, issued an apology on Tuesday following criticism over her comments regarding the recruitment of Bharatiya migrant workers. Central News Agency Taiwan reported that her remarks were labeled as “racist” by some individuals.
During an interview, Minister Hsu had mentioned that the ministry would prioritize recruiting workers from northeastern India due to similarities in skin color and dietary habits with Taiwanese people. She also highlighted the skills of individuals in this region, particularly in manufacturing, construction, and farming, as assessed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
However, in a legislative hearing on Tuesday morning, Minister Hsu expressed regret for her remarks, admitting they were inaccurate. She clarified that Taiwan’s labor policies strive for equality without discrimination, whether for local or foreign workers. She emphasized her intention to underscore the capabilities and performance of Indian workers, distancing herself from any discriminatory intent.
Legislator Chen Kuan-ting of the Democratic Progressive Party strongly criticized Hsu’s comments in a video, asserting that skin color and race should not dictate the recruitment of migrant workers.
The Ministry of Labor issued an apology on Monday night, acknowledging the inaccurate choice of words by Minister Hsu and emphasizing that the comments were not intended to discriminate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also apologized on Tuesday, recognizing the inappropriate narratives surrounding the planned recruitment of Indian workers.
In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Taiwan’s respect for Bharat’s diverse culture and the friendship between the two nations. It pledged to enhance cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between Taiwan and Bharat to strengthen cooperation and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ministry expressed hope for support from the Taiwanese people in engaging with the world and fostering substantive interactions with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. It emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to promoting reciprocal and mutually beneficial exchanges on the global stage.
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