Foreign workers in Taiwan, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are entitled to sick leave benefits. These help ensure that workers receive prompt medical care and financial support, especially while they are recovering from an illness or an injury.
This article presents an overview of the different types of sick leave that foreign workers in Taiwan are entitled to. It also features the steps they need to take in order to avail of their sick leave benefits.
Guide to Reporting for Sick Leave as a Foreign Worker
In Taiwan, sick leave benefits depends on the particular type of illness/injury, whether it requires hospitalization or not, and whether it is an “occupational” illness/injury or non-job-related.
Types of Sick Leave
There are several types of sick leave that foreign workers may take, depending on their situation. These include the standard (non-hospitalized) sick leave, hospitalized leave, and menstrual leave for non-job related conditions. Then, there’s also the occupational sick leave for illnesses/injuries caused by accidents in the workplace.
Standard Sick Leave
The “standard” sick leave is a half-pay leave that the employee can take up to 30 times within a year. It applies to illnesses that do not require hospitalization.
Hospitalized Sick Leave
For illnesses that require hospitalization, the employee can take a leave for up to one year within two years. This period includes the days when the employee is admitted in the hospital, as well as the “outpatient treatment period” wherein he/she needs to focus on continuing treatment and recovery.
Menstrual Leave
This type of leave is offered to female employees who are having difficulties in performing their job during menstruation period. They can take one day menstrual leave each month (with half-pay), for up to three days within one year.
If the menstrual leave exceeds three days within one year, the leave will be considered as part of their 30-day sick leave, which also includes a half-pay for each day of sick leave.
Occupational Sick Leave
As mentioned earlier, the occupational sick leave applies to workers who are suffering from an illness, injury, or disability caused by an occupational accident. It is different from the standard sick leave and the hospitalization leave.
For the occupational leave (with pay), the worker’s treatment and recovery period may be longer than two years… until he/she has fully recovered. It could be longer than the two-year maximum period that is usually provided to the hospitalized sick leave.
How to File a Sick Leave
Regardless of the type of sick leave, the process for filing is generally the same. First, you must notify your supervisor or your company’s human resources department about your situation.
If you are working through a labor agency, you’ll need to tell them about your condition, as well. Each company’s procedures for filing a sick leave may vary, so be sure to ask your employer.
Next, when you go to the doctor for treatment, don’t forget to request for a medical certificate and other documents, such as lab results, hospital bill, medicine prescriptions, etc. You will need to submit these, together with copies of your passport, Alien Residence Certificate (ARC), and job contract, to apply for a leave.
Important Reminders
In some hospitals or clinics, you may need to submit Chinese translations of your documents. If you need help, you can ask your company for assistance. You can also contact the 1955 Foreign Workers Hotline for translation and interpretation services.
We never know when we may experience sickness or injury, so it’s important to always be prepared. Fortunately, Taiwan companies provide workers with sick leave and other benefits, so that they can obtain immediate medical treatment and get the rest/recuperation they need.
Aside from sick leave, workers in Taiwan are entitled to other leave days and benefits. Check out this guide for more information about leave days and holidays for employees in the country.