Working in Taiwan comes with many opportunities, but it also comes with strict requirements. One of the most important is the Taiwan medical examination. Whether you are applying as a factory worker, caregiver, machine operator, or household service worker, passing the medical exam is a non-negotiable rule.
If a foreign worker fails this exam, they cannot legally continue employment in Taiwan. The employer is required to stop the recruitment process, and the worker may be sent home. This rule applies before you leave the Philippines and even after you have already arrived in Taiwan.
Why the Taiwan Medical Exam Matters
Taiwan uses medical exams to ensure the safety of the workplace and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It also protects the employer, especially in industries like caregiving or food manufacturing where health standards are monitored strictly.
For OFWs, passing the medical exam is tied to your work permit and your Alien Resident Certificate or ARC. You cannot work, stay, or extend your contract without these.
Pre-Departure and Post-Arrival Medical Exams
Foreign workers going to Taiwan must go through two stages:
- Pre-Departure Medical Exam (Philippines)
This is done before leaving the country. Agencies will only process your Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC after you pass.
- Post-Arrival Medical Exam (Taiwan)
Once you enter Taiwan, you must undergo another health check within the required period. Taiwan’s health facilities will run the same tests to confirm your condition upon arrival.
Both exams must be cleared before you can legally work.
What Tests Are Included in the Taiwan Medical Exam?
The exam checks for several health conditions. These differ slightly depending on your job type, but the common tests include:
- Tuberculosis screening through chest X-ray
- HIV and Syphilis test
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
- Drug testing for substances like marijuana, amphetamines, and opiates
- Pregnancy test for female workers
- General physical exam for mental health, skin conditions, and communicable diseases such as leprosy
These categories help Taiwan evaluate whether a worker can safely perform job duties and avoid health risks in the workplace.
What Happens If a Worker Fails the Taiwan Medical Exam?
Failure has serious consequences because the medical exam is linked to legal employment. Here is what you can expect:
- The Hiring Process Automatically Stops
If a worker fails the pre-departure exam in the Philippines, the agency cannot send them to Taiwan.
If the failure happens in Taiwan, the employer must end the recruitment or employment process. They are legally prohibited from continuing the contract.
- Repatriation Is Possible
A worker who fails post-arrival or periodic medical exams may be sent back to the Philippines.
Taiwanese employers must report results to the health authorities and cannot keep a worker who is declared medically unfit. This is especially strict for diseases considered high risk.
- No Work Permit, No ARC
Without a clean medical result:
- You cannot get a work permit
- You cannot apply for an ARC
- You cannot legally stay in Taiwan
This is why even minor health issues need to be monitored early.
- Future Employment May Be Affected
Some conditions disqualify workers for specific industries. Even if you recover later, certain tests may still appear in your records and may affect your next application.
Regular Medical Exams in Taiwan: A Mandatory Rule
Passing the exam once does not mean you are clear forever. Taiwan requires periodic follow-up medical exams for foreign workers at:
- 6 months
- 18 months
- 30 months
- 42 months
- 54 months
These re-exams check if workers have developed any new conditions or infections while working. If you fail any of these exams, the employer must also terminate your employment.
This is especially important for caregivers and food-related workers because they interact closely with vulnerable individuals.
Legal Basis Behind Medical Exam Enforcement
The rules come from Taiwan’s Regulations on the Permission and Administration of the Employment of Foreign Workers.
The regulations clearly state:
- Failing the medical examination disqualifies you from employment
- Employers must report results within 15 days
- Employers cannot retain workers who fail
- Foreign workers must meet health requirements before and during employment
In the Philippines, the POEA (now DMW) also enforces Taiwan’s requirements to ensure OFWs follow the correct process and avoid illegal deployment.
Why OFWs Must Take Medical Exams Seriously
Medical exams can feel strict, but they protect workers and ensure that everyone in the workplace is safe.
Here are important reminders:
- Failing means no work permit
Even if your employer wants to keep you, they cannot override the law.
- Re-exams must never be skipped
Missing scheduled exams can also result in penalties or cancellation of your permit.
- Health issues should be treated early
Conditions like tuberculosis or hepatitis may require longer treatment. Always coordinate with your agency or employer if you notice symptoms.
- Honesty is important
Do not hide illnesses during the pre-departure exam. Taiwan will find out during the post-arrival exam, which leads to more problems and possible blacklisting.
Key Takeaways
- Failing the medical exam means you cannot legally work in Taiwan.
- Employers must stop the hiring process and may send the worker home.
- You cannot secure a work permit or ARC without passing.
- Pre-departure and post-arrival exams are both required.
- Workers undergo periodic exams at multiple stages of their contract.
- Failing at any stage can lead to termination and repatriation.
Conclusion
The Taiwan medical exam is one of the biggest gatekeepers for OFWs who want to work abroad. It protects you, your employer, and the workplace environment. If you are planning to work in Taiwan, make sure to prepare your medical health early, monitor any existing conditions, and follow both Philippine and Taiwan medical guidelines closely.
A healthy start is the best way to secure your job, your stay, and your future in Taiwan.