13 Aug 2025

IAST APAC, CCLA and Walk Free joint letters to Taiwanese government on the recruitment of migrant workers in Taiwan.

Migrant workers are disproportionately vulnerable to forced labour, and are three times more likely to be in forced labour than non-migrant workers according to the Global Slavery Index 2023. Despite progress made in Taiwan to protect migrant workers, persistent and significant forced labour risks remain.

The majority of Taiwan’s ~800,000 registered migrant workers are employed in manufacturing sectors where the risk of debt bondage is prevalent. Left unaddressed, these factors significantly increase the risk of forced labour.

As investors, we believe these practices undermine the long-term sustainability of Taiwanese businesses and may deter investments in Taiwanese companies. Business models and value chains that rely on such practices, such as forced labour and other forms of modern slavery, drive unsustainable earnings.

Regulation has a crucial role in supporting companies to eradicate such unfair labour practices. To access the letters, which include steps Taiwan can take, please see: