(FWA 2025/12/24)The Ministry of Labor (MOL) continues to strictly investigate and penalize recruitment agencies for illegal fee collection. This year, 10 agencies have already been penalized by local governments for such violations. In a recent landmark case reported by a civil group, one specific broker was found to have illegally charged “job buying fees” to more than 10 migrant workers under the pretense of contract renewals or transfers. Consequently, the local government imposed a fine of over NT$10 million (specifically reaching NT$12 million)—the highest single penalty for such a violation in history. The MOL will additionally impose a suspension of operations on the agency for up to one year.

Zero Tolerance for Illegal Fees

The MOL emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy regarding illegal charges by brokers during employer transfers or contract renewals. Fines are calculated based on 10 to 20 times the illegally collected amount. Even if the agency refunds the fees, they are not exempt from penalties. This year, over 2,000 inspections have been conducted, with frequency adjusted based on the agency’s evaluation grade.

Clarification on Legal Fees

Officials reiterated the regulations regarding permissible fees. Agencies are strictly prohibited from collecting fees in advance. The legal fee structures are as follows:

  • For Migrant Workers (Service Fees Only): Brokers may only charge a monthly service fee based on the cumulative work period in Taiwan.

    • 1st Year: Maximum NT$1,800 per month.

    • 2nd Year: Maximum NT$1,700 per month.

    • 3rd Year onwards: Maximum NT$1,500 per month.

    • Exception: For workers re-entering Taiwan to work for the same employer after a previous employment of at least two years, the fee is capped at NT$1,500 per month.

    • Note: Registration fees or “job buying fees” are strictly prohibited.

  • For Employers: Agencies may charge registration fees, placement fees, and service fees, subject to statutory limits.

Assistance and Resources

To reduce the risk of exploitation, the MOL is strengthening the Direct Hiring Service Center and enhancing bilingual support. Migrant workers encountering illegal fee demands from any broker are urged to call the 1955 Labor Consultation and Complaint Hotline. Employers are also called upon to monitor their agencies to ensure no illegal fees are charged to workers.

MOL’s Agency Inquiry System: https://agent.wda.gov.tw/agentext/

Pinatawan ng Taiwan Ministry of Labor ng Record na Multa na Higit sa NT$10 Milyon sa Agency Dahil sa Ilegal na “Job Buying Fees”

Patuloy na mahigpit na iniimbestigahan at pinaparusahan ng Ministry of Labor (MOL) ang mga recruitment agency dahil sa ilegal na paniningil ng bayad. Ngayong taon, 10 agency na ang pinatawan ng parusa ng mga lokal na pamahalaan. Sa isang kaso kamakailan, napag-alaman na ang isang broker ay ilegal na naningil ng “job buying fees” sa mahigit 10 migranteng manggagawa sa ilalim ng dahilan ng contract renewal o paglipat ng amo. Bilang resulta, nagpataw ang lokal na pamahalaan ng multang higit sa NT$10 milyon (partikular na umabot sa NT$12 milyon). Bukod dito, magpapataw ang MOL ng suspensyon ng operasyon sa nasabing agency nang hanggang isang taon.

Zero Tolerance para sa Ilegal na Bayarin Binigyang-diin ng MOL ang patakarang “zero tolerance” sa mga ilegal na singilin ng mga broker sa panahon ng paglipat ng employer. Ang mga multa ay kinakalkula batay sa 10 hanggang 20 beses ng halagang ilegal na nakolekta. Kahit ibalik ng agency ang pera, hindi sila ligtas sa parusa.

Paglilinaw sa mga Legal na Bayarin Pinaalalahanan ng mga opisyal ang tungkol sa mga regulasyon sa mga pinahihintulutang bayarin. Ang mga agency ay mahigpit na ipinagbabawal na maningil nang maaga. Ang istruktura ng legal na bayarin ay:

Para sa mga Migranteng Manggagawa (Service Fees Lamang): Ang mga broker ay maaari lamang maningil ng buwanang service fee:

Unang Taon: Maximum na NT$1,800 bawat buwan.

Pangalawang Taon: Maximum na NT$1,700 bawat buwan.

Ikatlong Taon pataas: Maximum na NT$1,500 bawat buwan.

Exception: Para sa mga manggagawang muling pumasok sa Taiwan upang magtrabaho sa parehong employer (pagkatapos ng 2 taon), ang bayad ay hanggang NT$1,500 bawat buwan lamang.

Paalala: Ang “job buying fees” ay mahigpit na ipinagbabawal.

Tulong at Mga Mapagkukunan Ang mga migranteng manggagawa na nakakaranas ng ilegal na paniningil mula sa anumang broker ay hinihimok na tumawag sa 1955 Hotline.

Agency Inquiry System ng MOL: https://agent.wda.gov.tw/agentext/