(Photo by PNA)
MANILA – Taiwan is considering introducing a direct hiring arrangement for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to reduce recruitment expenses, strengthen worker protection and simplify employment procedures.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow disclosed the plan during a reception in Taguig City on Thursday evening, October 8.
Chow said the proposed arrangement forms part of Taiwan’s efforts to improve services for Filipinos seeking employment opportunities on the island.
“Earlier this year, my office, TECO, established a labor division to provide better and more accessible services to Filipino migrant workers going to Taiwan. This will include the introduction of direct hire arrangements in the future,” Chow said.
He explained that the proposed system would help reduce recruitment-related expenses while allowing Taiwanese employers to hire Filipino workers more efficiently.
“Through this mechanism, we aim to lower the expense for Filipino workers going to Taiwan, enhance their protection, and simultaneously expedite recruitment for Taiwanese companies,” he added.
According to Chow, the Philippines is Taiwan’s third-largest source of migrant workers, with more than 191,000 Filipinos currently employed in various industries, including steel manufacturing.
Beyond labor cooperation, Chow highlighted opportunities to expand economic partnerships between Taiwan and the Philippines, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing and engineering.
He said Taiwan’s technological expertise and established industrial supply chains could complement the Philippines’ young workforce and available resources.
“Taiwan and the Philippines have highly complementary strengths and can greatly benefit from working together,” Chow said.
He noted that Taiwan could contribute advanced technologies, manufacturing capabilities and engineering expertise, while the Philippines could provide skilled workers, land and energy resources.
“Together, we have enormous potential for co-prosperity,” he added.
Taiwan’s economy is projected to expand by 11.05 percent in 2026, potentially marking its fastest growth in 39 years amid rising global demand for AI and emerging technologies.
Chow also highlighted Taiwan’s significant role in the global semiconductor and AI industries.
He said more than 90 percent of the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips are manufactured in Taiwan, while Taiwanese suppliers produce and assemble over 90 percent of AI servers.
These capabilities, he said, position Taiwan as a major center for global AI infrastructure and create opportunities for stronger economic cooperation with the Philippines.
The proposed direct hiring arrangement remains under consideration, with further details on its implementation yet to be announced.
