Abusive treatment of migrant workers in Taiwan's semiconductor factories

Human Rights Research Center
5 days ago
3 min read

July 3, 2025

HRRC is deeply concerned by the alleged mistreatment of Filipino workers in Taiwan’s semiconductor factories. 16-hour shifts, threats of deportation, and the exploitation of the long established “Broker” system need to be thoroughly investigated, with the introduction of a Government-to-Government direct hiring system long overdue.

Taiwan is the world’s biggest producer of semiconductors, with one organisation, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) contributing to 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductors. TSMC is Apple’s primary chip supplier and their products can be found in iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, and with the development of AI the semiconductor industry in the country is thriving.

However, this expansion is coming at a steep cost. The very people who are producing these high-tech semiconductors on the factory floor are the ones who are suffering. With these companies unable to recruit domestically they are forced to look further afield. At present tens of thousands of factory workers in Taiwan are from the Philippines, and it is believed that an increase of 20,000 Filipino workers could be expected this year.

Over the past few months, a number of workers from the Philippines have been brave enough to speak out and describe the mistreatment and discrimination that they have suffered while working. Within the factories they are usually employed to work 12 hours overnight, but 16-hour shifts are not unusual, and within a number of factories they fear severe punishment for even the smallest mistakes.

There have also been allegations that they are not treated in the same way as local hires. They work longer hours, are paid less, and are faced with more dangerous tasks. Being forced to work in dangerous conditions is also an issue. For example, when a typhoon hits the island, they are pushed to go to work while locals are allowed to return home; the risks of not turning up are substantial and can lead to a loss of employment or even deportation.

Outside of the factories, conditions are not much better. The vast majority of workers have their lives almost completely controlled by so called “brokers”. These brokers are assigned to the workers when they arrive in the country and govern basically every aspect of their lives from paperwork to rent, meals and insurance. However, there have been accusations that not all brokers are treating the Filipino workers fairly.

It is believed that a number of brokers are using misinformation to manipulate their clients. They manage to reduce the workers’ take home pay by introducing several unexpected “fees”. The primary issue is that the brokers are meant to support the workers, but in reality, they are actually there to represent the companies that employ them.

The Taiwanese system means that if you are a migrant worker, you need your broker’s permission to do anything, which presents a situation where people cannot live freely. This is not a new issue, as it has been more than two years since a demonstration took place supporting an end to the broker system. Despite this, an introduction of a government-to-government direct hiring system, which would help eliminate the broker system seems very unlikely.

Glossary

Assigned – Given a task or role to do.
Brokers – People who arrange deals or help others get jobs, often for a fee.
Demonstration – A public protest or gathering to show support or disagreement.
Deportation – Forcing someone to leave a country, usually because they broke immigration rules.
Discrimination – Unfair treatment of people because of things like race, gender, or nationality.
Expansion – The act of growing bigger or spreading out.
Government-to-government direct hiring system – a recruitment arrangement in which the governments of two countries directly coordinate the hiring and deployment of workers.
High-tech – Using the newest and most advanced technology.
Misinformation – False or incorrect information, often spread on purpose.
Mistreatment – Cruel or unfair behaviour towards someone.
Permission – Approval or consent to do something.
Reality – The actual situation, not just what people think or hope.
Semiconductor – A material used to make electronic chips and devices.
Semiconductors – Plural of semiconductor; essential parts of electronics like phones and computers.
Severe – Very serious or extreme.
Substantial – Large in amount or importance.
Thriving – Growing or doing very well.
Typhoon – A very strong storm with high winds and heavy rain, common in Asia.

Sources

HRRC accepts NO funding from governments for our research or campaigns. At every step of the way, our impact is made possible because of people like YOU. Make your contribution now!

Abusive treatment of migrant workers in Taiwan's semiconductor factories

Recent Posts