The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), particularly its Assistance to Nationals (ATN) section, is always ready to help Filipinos in Taiwan when it comes to labor issues, medical emergencies, and other matters. But did you know that there’s a local hotline that provides valuable services to foreign workers?
We’re talking about the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline, a service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Foreign workers, employers, and even the general public can call this number for assistance. To better address their concerns, the hotline has multilingual staff that can communicate with overseas workers.
All About the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline
On July 1, 2009, the Ministry of Labor (MOL) established the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline for overseas workers in Taiwan. Back then, it had 45 multilingual staff accepting calls for information, guidance, complaints, and other concerns.
Service Features
The 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline features 24-hour free service and multilingual staff.
- 24-hour Service. Workers, employers, and the general public can call the hotline anytime, any day of the year, including holidays.
- Free Service. Calling the hotline is free of charge, and may be contacted by home phone, mobile phone, or public phone.
- Multilingual Staff. The hotline is manned by operators who can speak Chinese, English, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Filipino.
Services Offered
Among the services offered by the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline are: consultation, complaints, legal assistance, protection, translation, and information services.
Consulting Services
If you have any questions about employment contracts, working hours, salaries, and other job-related topics, you can call the hotline, which provides detailed consultation services.
Complaint Service
For those who want to report a job-related complaint (e.g. maltreatment, physical assault, labor dispute, etc.), the hotline will address the matter and refer it to local authorities for investigation.
Legal Assistance
With regard to legal issues, you can call the hotline and it will provide assistance, including referral to local authorities.
Protection and Placement Services
To workers who have experienced physical assault, maltreatment, or human trafficking, the hotline coordinates with organizations that can provide temporary shelter, protection, and legal assistance.
Interpretation Services
Oftentimes, problems arise from miscommunication and misunderstandings. Fortunately, the hotline offers online interpretation services in real time! This services applies not only to job-related matters, but other activities like seeking medical assistance, accessing a public service, and so on.
Government Information Services
If you have questions about government services, you can call the hotline, and it will provide information about the government department(s) concerned (e.g. Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Health and Welfare, police department, etc.).
Checking Case Numbers
After making a call to the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline, you will receive a text message within two (2) hours. This message contains your official case number; simply enter this number when you want to check the status of your case through this website.
Tips and Reminders
Other than accepting calls, the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline has an official Facebook page where it shares important announcements and information. Below are some tips and reminders posted on the page recently; these had been translated into several languages so that overseas workers can understand them easily.
Road Safety Reminders
Motorists are warned against creating danger on the road and reminded to follow these rules: (a) Do not drink and drive; (b) Do not drive on the wrong side of the road; (c) Do not cross double yellow lines; and (d) Do not driver over the speed limit.
Registration of Electric Vehicles
Previously, there was a grace period for registering mini two-wheel electric vehicles. However, this period had ended on November 30, 2024, and today — riding without registration is not allowed. All persons using mini two-wheel electric vehicles are reminded to register their vehicles. Otherwise, they will have to pay a fine (TWD 1,200 to TWD 3,600); plus, their vehicle will be impounded.
E-cigarettes Not Allowed
Since March 22, 2023, Taiwan has strictly prohibited the bringing of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products into the country. Breaking this rule can lead to a fine of TWD 50,000 to TWD 5 million, along with confiscation of the products. Thus, foreign workers are warned against bringing such items whenever they return to Taiwan.
Safety Reminders
Due to its geographical location, Taiwan frequently experiences heavy rain, typhoons, and earthquakes (just like the Philippines). Because of this, everyone is urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities before and after a natural disaster. These activities include mountain hiking, fishing, and swimming at the beach — all of which could be dangerous when there’s a natural calamity.
Those who need assistance during natural disasters or other emergencies can contact the 1955 Hotline.
Reporting Digital Violence
Digital violence happens when a person is threatened online. The 1955 Hotline Facebook page shares three steps for dealing with digital violence: (a) Be alert, do not share personal information or intimate photos with anyone; (b) Collect evidence by taking screenshots when someone is threatening you online; and (c) Seek help and do not be afraid to ask for assistance.
Law on Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a serious crime that usually involves labor exploitation, sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting. In Taiwan, anyone who is found guilty of human trafficking could face a prison term of not less than seven (7) years and a maximum fine of TWD 7 million. Persons who encounter cases of suspected human trafficking are reminded to immediately contact 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline, 110 Crime Reporting Hotline, and 02-2388-3095 Human Trafficking Hotline.
For more information on the subject, check out this guide on reporting harassment and human trafficking cases.
Contact Info: Workforce Development Agency
If you need more details about the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline and the services if offers, just visit the official website of the Ministry of Labor’s Workforce Development Agency (WDA). You can also call the WDA by dialing 886-2-8995-6000.
Thanks to the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline, overseas workers, including Filipinos, can easily access various services in Taiwan. Whether they need help regarding a labor dispute, or require translation assistance, they can call this number anytime, anywhere!
Meanwhile, to prevent becoming a victim of scams or human trafficking, reading and understanding your job contract is essential. To help you, we’ve created this guide on what to do before signing an employment contract.