Taiwanese Labour Minister Apologizes for Controversial Remarks on Indian Migrant Workers

Defense News ,India :-  In response to criticism labeled as "racist" regarding the planned recruitment of Indian migrant workers, Taiwan's Labour Minister, Hsu Ming-chun, issued an apology on Tuesday. The Central News Agency reported that Hsu's comments during an interview had sparked controversy, with her stating that the ministry would initially prioritize recruiting workers from northeastern India due to the perceived similarities in skin color and dietary habits.

During a legislative hearing on Tuesday morning, Minister Hsu expressed regret for her "inaccurate" remarks, emphasizing that Taiwan's labor policies aim for equality without discrimination, whether for local or foreign workers. She clarified that her intention was to highlight the skills and capabilities of Indian workers, distancing herself from any discriminatory motives.

Legislator Chen Kuan-ting of the Democratic Progressive Party strongly condemned Hsu's comments in a video posted online, asserting that skin color and race should not be criteria for recruiting migrant workers.

The Labor Ministry issued a statement on Monday night apologizing for Hsu's choice of words, emphasizing that they were not intended to discriminate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued an apology on Tuesday, acknowledging the "not entirely appropriate" narratives surrounding the planned recruitment of Indian workers.

The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Taiwan's commitment to a civil society that embraces diverse views and respects India's diverse and rich culture. It expressed a desire to strengthen cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between Taiwan and India, aiming to enhance cooperation and partnership.

The ministry concluded by expressing hope for the support of the Taiwanese people in engaging with the world, fostering substantive interactions with partners in the Indo-Pacific region, and promoting reciprocal and mutually beneficial exchanges.