Скачать или смотреть Labor minister apologizes for controversial remarks about Indian workers｜Taiwan News

The labor minister has apologized for her racially charged remarks about Indian migrant workers. In an interview last week, Minister Hsu Ming-chun said Taiwan will first recruit workers from northeastern India, because, quote, “their skin color and dietary habits” are more similar to those of Taiwanese. She said that furthermore, “most people in that region are Christians.” The remarks were condemned by Indian media, as well as ruling and opposition lawmakers. At a legislative hearing on Tuesday, the minister apologized for creating a misunderstanding.

Hsu Ming-chun
Labor minister
Perhaps because of my imprecise choice of words, my comments created a misunderstanding. Of course, that’s led to some turmoil. I have engaged in deep self-reflection and want to apologize for causing the misunderstanding and turmoil. What I want to make clear is that our migrant worker policy has always placed a high value on human rights. We aim to bring in migrant workers on the principle of equality. We also respect India’s rich and diverse culture. On Feb. 26, we were informed by the foreign ministry that Taiwan and India had reached an agreement. Pursuant to Article 12 of the Conclusion of Treaties Act, we will report to the Executive Yuan within 30 days. Thereafter the agreement will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for reference, to keep all parties informed. That is where we are in the process.

The minister said that many details of Taiwan’s recruitment plan have yet to be finalized. These details include the exact number of Indian workers permitted to enter Taiwan. Hsu said that the recruitment plan will start off on a small scale, and expand based on the success of the initial trial.

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