When my contract was suddenly terminated in Taiwan, the first thing I felt was fear. I had been working quietly, doing everything expected of me, and then one morning everything changed. My broker called. My employer wanted to end the contract early. No warning. No proper explanation. Just a cold, heavy panic that settled in my chest.
If you’re searching for early termination of OFW contract in Taiwan, you may be going through something similar right now. Many of us have faced the same fear: the idea of losing our job overnight, worrying about deportation, and not knowing who to call for help. I’m sharing my experience because the things that saved me were simple, practical, and proven by the stories of other OFWs who survived the same struggle.
OFWs Who Faced Early Termination
Before I found my footing, I looked for answers online. What I found were experiences that sounded painfully familiar.
An OFW Who Was Terminated for Reporting Harassment
A Filipina worker in Tainan shared how she was terminated right after reporting a voyeurism incident involving a coworker. She was the victim, yet she lost her job. She went to MECO and OWWA for help but spent days worrying about blacklisting and whether she would get justice at all.
Her words stayed with me:
“They told me to stay quiet. When I insisted on reporting, they removed me.”
OFWs Confused By Contract Rules
Another group of workers talked about being terminated “under foreign law.” They didn’t even understand what law was used against them, only that the employer said the contract was canceled. They wondered if they still had rights as Filipinos protected under the POEA standard contract.
One comment stood out:
“I signed a contract in the Philippines. Why does it feel like that contract suddenly means nothing here?”
Workers Struggling With Unfair Treatment
Others shared stories of supervisors shouting at them, not investigating complaints, or blaming them for problems they didn’t cause. Some workers said they were forced to sign resignation papers they didn’t understand.
Reading these stories made me realize one thing: I wasn’t alone, and the system often felt stacked against us. But there were also people who fought back, survived, and found new jobs.
What Saved Me When My Contract Was Terminated
When everything felt unstable, four things anchored me: help from the right offices, proper documentation, community support, and faith.
- Asking for Help From OWWA and MECO
The first thing I did was call MECO. I told them exactly what happened and asked what my options were. They explained the process clearly. They also reminded me that I still had rights even if my employer wanted to end the contract.
Later, I also talked to OWWA. They guided me on how to record my case and what benefits I might still qualify for. Just hearing a Filipino voice explain what to do next already made the situation feel less frightening.
- Keeping Every Document Safe
I kept screenshots, chat logs, photos, and the exact text message where I was told I was being terminated. I printed my contract and highlighted the parts about termination and notice periods.
Every OFW I talked to said the same thing:
“Documentation is your protection.”
It helped me prove what really happened, especially when stories started to change.
- Finding Support From Fellow OFWs
A friend of a friend let me stay with her for a few days. Someone sent me a list of advocacy groups. Another shared her own termination story and told me the exact office to call.
This support reminded me that community is one of our strongest strengths in Taiwan. Even when the broker system feels hard, OFWs help each other survive.
- Holding on to Faith and Family
During the hardest nights, the calls with my family gave me strength. I also prayed often, asking for clarity and peace. Many OFWs say the same thing: faith becomes your anchor when everything around you feels uncertain.
Lessons That Every OFW Should Know
Everything I learned during my early termination taught me how to face the crisis with more clarity and confidence.
Know Your Rights
We often think Taiwanese laws automatically replace our POEA contract, but both matter. When you know the rules on termination, notice periods, and employer responsibilities, it becomes harder for anyone to take advantage of you.
Move Fast
Report the incident to your broker, then MECO, then OWWA. The earlier you act, the more chances you have to fix the issue, transfer employers legally, or file a complaint if needed.
Don’t Isolate Yourself
Many OFWs feel embarrassed to say they were terminated. I felt that too. But isolating yourself only makes the situation heavier. The moment I reached out to others, the weight lifted.
Prepare for Emergencies
If you’re still employed, build an emergency fund. Keep copies of your contract. Save important numbers. Termination can happen without warning.
What You Can Do If You Are Terminated Early
Here are the steps that helped me and many others:
- Stay calm and don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
- Call your broker, but don’t rely only on them.
- Contact MECO (Labor Center) for legal guidance.
- Talk to OWWA for case documentation and assistance.
- Gather all evidence from day one.
- Ask about transfer options if you want to continue working in Taiwan.
- Reach out to OFW groups for housing, emotional support, and advice.
- Avoid confrontations that may worsen the case.
- Always have a backup plan in case the termination pushes through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Taiwan employer terminate me anytime?
They can, but they must follow legal grounds and proper notice. You still have rights under Taiwan labor laws and your POEA contract.
Can I transfer to another employer after termination?
Many OFWs can apply for a legal transfer depending on the reason for termination. MECO can explain your options.
Will I be deported immediately?
No. You are allowed time to process your case, explore transfers, or arrange your exit.
Will early termination affect future job applications?
Not automatically. Documentation protects you from unfair reports or blacklisting.
Closing Thoughts
When I look back, the day I got terminated felt like the end of everything. But it wasn’t. It became a turning point. I survived because people helped me, because I held on to my rights, and because I trusted that even in crisis, there were better days ahead.
If you’re facing the early termination of OFW contract in Taiwan, you’re not alone. You have options. You have help. And you have a community that understands exactly what you’re going through.
Share your story in the comments if you feel ready. You never know who might find courage because of your experience.