14 May 2007

Taiwan says worker recruitment from Solomons likely

3:08 pm on 14 May 2007

A representative for the Taiwanese Embassy in Solomon Islands says it's very likely Solomon Islanders will be recruited to work in Taiwan.

A Memorandum of Understanding for Labour between the two countries was to be signed next week, but has been postponed to give more time for further consultation between Taiwan's Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Immigration.

The second secretary of the Taiwanese embassy in Honiara, William Hsu, says depending on the willingness of the private sectors, workers are likely to be employed in construction, manufacturing, housework or hospital caretaking.

"In Taiwan, private sector company employers have a tendency to import South East Asian workers. I think Solomon Islanders are very diligent and hard working people. I think one day the employers in Taiwan will have to import some Solomon Islanders as well."

William Hsu says working contracts last between two to three years, and Taiwan's labour laws ensure employers take good care of their workers.