Agricultural work is one of the seasonal jobs in Taiwan, with many farms hiring foreign workers in addition to local employees. Foreign workers may be assigned to work in livestock, poultry, and fisheries, or in fields planted with fruits, vegetables, and various crops.
Filipinos who hold a degree in agriculture, along with those who have previous experience in plant cultivation, animal husbandry, or fisheries, may consider applying for agriculture jobs in Taiwan. In this article, we will explore the general qualifications, requirements, and steps involved.
Guide to Applying as a Farm Worker in Taiwan
Like the Philippines, Taiwan has an active agricultural industry, producing food that is distributed to local as well as foreign markets. There is also a regular need for foreign workers to help meet production targets, and this is where Filipino job seekers come in!
Job Description
There is a wide range of work in farms, and different people are assigned based on their specific knowledge and skills. At this point, let us take a look at the typical job descriptions of the common types of farm jobs: livestock/poultry farmer, and farm worker.
Livestock/Poultry Farmer
Poultry farmers are those assigned to care for and manage chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. These animals are raised for their meat and eggs, and require systematic care for successful production.
Livestock farmers, on the other hand, are assigned to care for and manage cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. These are raised for their meat, milk (in the case of cattle), and wool (in the case of sheep). Like poultry animals, they also require special care, depending on the breed and production targets.
In both cases, whether raising poultry or livestock, workers are responsible for the following:
- Feeding and providing water for the animals daily;
- Cleaning and maintaining animal pens, barns, or housing;
- Recording information about animal health, food consumption, growth rate, and other data; and
- Operating and maintaining farming equipment and facilities.
Farm/Agriculture Worker
“Farm worker” is a general term used to describe all types of agricultural jobs. Aside from livestock and poultry farmers, there are those assigned to plant-based work such as planting, cultivating, harvesting, and packing vegetables, fruits, or various crops. Typically, their job description also includes cleaning and maintaining farm tools, equipment, machinery, and facilities.
Salary and Benefits
The basic salary of farm workers vary, depending on their position, skills, and experience. Based on our research, there are companies offering a basic salary of TWD 27,470 per month for farm/agricultural workers, and TWD 28,590 per month for livestock/poultry farmers. This amount does not yet include overtime pay, allowances, bonuses, and other incentives.
In most cases, the company provides accommodation or housing allowance for its workers. Of course, workers are also entitled to health insurance, paid leave, and other mandatory benefits.
Qualifications
Since farming involves mostly manual or physical labor, farm workers are expected to be healthy and physically fit for the job. They must be able and willing to work long hours, including early mornings, weekends, and even on holidays — especially during the planting or harvesting seasons. Oftentimes, they have to work outdoors, in either hot or rainy conditions.
In some cases, the employer also follows a specific set of criteria for job applicants. For example, we found a job announcement seeking farmers that fit these qualifications: 25 to 30 years old; 175 cm or above in height; 65 to 80 kilos in weight; and with work experience in farms.
Requirements
When applying to work as a farmer, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport with at least one year of validity;
- School Diploma (High School and/or College);
- DMW e-Registration;
- Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) Certificate;
- SSS ID or UMID;
- TIN Number (or TIN ID);
- Pag-IBIG Number;
- NBI Clearance;
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate;
- National ID or Philsys ID (physical or digital card);
- Birth Certificate issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); and
- PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (if married);
NOTE: Make sure that all your documents are correct, valid, and updated to avoid any problems in your application.
Procedure
Applying for a farm job in Taiwan takes time, and you need to follow certain steps, as follows:
Find a Job
Unless you are eyeing a government-based program (more on this below), you are likely to find farm worker vacancies in private farms and companies. You can search for opportunities on websites, social media groups and pages.
Make sure, however, that you are looking at official sources of information. Verify if the company and recruitment agency are “legit” by going to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) official website.
Prepare Documents
Once you’ve found a job you’re interested in, gather and prepare the required documents, based on the list presented above. Then, you can start submitting your job applications, either directly at the office of the recruitment agency, or through their official website.
Attend Job Interviews
Part of the hiring process is the job interview, where the agency or a representative from the company will ask questions about your educational training and job experience. In some cases, you may also be asked to take a written exam. Always see to it that you arrive on time, dress appropriately, and be prepared to answer!
Sign the Contract
Once you get accepted for the job, you will be asked to sign a job contract. Take time to read it and ask questions, make some clarifications if necessary. At this stage, it’s important that you know and understand the terms of the employment contract.
Get a Work Permit and Visa
Your employer in Taiwan will be the one responsible for getting your work permit, so that you will be able to enter the country. After you arrive, the next step is to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) or resident visa, which is mandatory for all foreign workers.
Tips and Reminders
In addition, here are some tips to help you adjust and make the most of your stay in this country:
- Always be on time. Punctuality is a trait that is highly valued in Taiwan. Reporting for work on time is a sign that you are dedicated and committed to the job.
- Be respectful. Strive to maintain a good attitude in the workplace, and always be respectful of your superiors and your co-workers, too.
- Learn the language. You don’t have to be a fluent Mandarin speaker, but it would be a good idea to learn some basic greetings and phrases. This can help you communicate better with the Taiwanese.
- Learn about the culture. During your stay, you will learn more about Taiwanese customs, traditions, and beliefs. Consider it as an enriching experience, as you become immersed in a foreign culture!
If you are planning to apply as a farm worker in Taiwan, we hope that the above guide has been helpful! In the meantime, check out this article about the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT). This is a government program for young Filipinos who are aspiring to be farmer leaders and “agri-preneurs” someday.