In 2023, Taiwanese news outlets reported a jaw-dropping case: a migrant worker who had overstayed her visa by 2,044 days—that’s nearly six years!
She was caught while on her way to a cleaning job, having lived in hiding all that time to avoid detection. Her story made headlines not just because of the length of her overstay, but because it highlighted a growing concern: many migrant workers are unaware of the legal consequences once their contracts expire.
That same year, Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency launched a “Safe Return” amnesty program for overstaying foreign nationals. It offered a rare chance—leave voluntarily with minimal penalties, avoid detention, and skip the usual reentry ban. Over 15,000 migrant workers came forward, underscoring how common overstaying has become and how urgently people needed a legal way out.
But once that program ended, so did the leniency. Fines went back up. Entry bans returned. And those who didn’t act in time are now facing serious legal consequences.
As a precautionary measure, let’s break down what happens when you overstay your work contract in Taiwan, the risks you face, and the smart steps you can take to avoid them.
Why Overstaying Is a Big Deal
If you continue working or staying in Taiwan after your contract ends without proper extension or legal documents, the government sees this as a violation. The penalties can impact your ability to work again—not just in Taiwan, but sometimes in other countries too.
Penalties for Overstaying in Taiwan
Let’s break down the risks:
| Consequence | Details |
| Fines | Ranges from NT$2,000 to NT$10,000 depending on how long you overstayed. |
| Entry Ban | You may be banned from re-entering Taiwan for 1 to 8 years. |
| Deportation | If caught, you may be sent back to the Philippines and blacklisted. |
| Legal Record | Violations are recorded, which may affect future work visa applications. |
| Employment Trouble | Employers may refuse to rehire you or report you to authorities. |
Fixed-Term Contracts in Taiwan: What the Law Says
In Taiwan, most OFWs sign fixed-term contracts—usually valid for 1 to 3 years. Under the Labour Standards Act, once this period ends, your legal stay and work rights end too unless:
- Your contract is renewed legally.
- Your employer files for an extension before the expiry date.
- You apply for a change of employer through proper channels.
If you stay past your end date without doing these steps, you’re officially overstaying.
Legal Basis: The Labour Standards Act states that contracts for “continuous work” should be non-fixed term, while fixed-term contracts are limited to short-term, seasonal, or specific work (no longer than 1 year unless approved).
What to Do Before Your Contract Ends
Avoiding problems is easy if you plan ahead:
- Talk to your employer: Ask if they plan to renew your contract at least 2 months before it ends.
- Visit the Immigration Office: If you want to transfer employers, you need to secure the proper documents.
- Don’t disappear: Leaving your worksite without notice and overstaying puts you at risk of arrest and blacklisting.
Policy Changes to Know
Taiwan has relaxed some rules in recent years—such as extending the deadline to report address or employer changes. But that does not apply to overstaying, which is still treated as a serious offense. Learn more about this by reading the resource below:
Regulations-For-Newly-Revised-Immigration-Act-of-Taiwan-effective-as-of-March-1st-2024-Can I Switch Employers Legally?
Yes—but only if:
- Your current contract has ended or been terminated with proper documentation.
- You apply through the Ministry of Labor’s online system or through your local Migrant Workers Office (MWO) or MECO.
Overstaying without completing this process is considered illegal.
Where to Get Help
If you’re confused or running out of time, reach out to these official offices:
- MECO Taipei: +886 2 2658 8825
- MWO Taiwan: Offers legal counseling and assistance for contract-related issues
- Taiwan Immigration Agency: For visa and stay extensions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I stay in Taiwan after my contract ends?
You must leave the country before your ARC (Alien Resident Certificate) expires—this usually matches your contract end date. - Can I be arrested for overstaying?
Yes. If you’re caught, you could face detention and immediate deportation. - Will overstaying affect my chances of working abroad again?
Yes. Your overstay record could affect visa approvals in Taiwan and other countries. - What if I overstay by only a few days?
Even a short overstay can lead to fines or a temporary ban. Always file for an extension or exit on time.
Final Thoughts
Overstaying may feel like a shortcut when you’re still waiting for job updates or feeling stuck—but it’s not worth the risk. Penalties for overstaying your work contract in Taiwan include fines, bans, and legal trouble. If you’re unsure about your next step, ask for help before it’s too late.