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EP023: The plight of Taiwan's migrant mothers

  • 17 March, 2025
Beyond the Reefs

Join host Joey Chou as he dives into socio-economic issues faced by Taiwan, and their broader impact beyond the reefs of this island nation.

Taiwan relies heavily on migrant labor, with over 700,000 workers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand filling critical roles in factories, construction, and home care. These workers sacrifice a lot to be here, but in return, many face harsh working conditions, unfair wages, and little legal protection.

For migrant mothers, the challenges are even more severe. Many leave their own children behind to provide for them from afar, while others who become pregnant in Taiwan risk losing their jobs or even being sent home. Strict policies, lack of support, and social stigma create an impossible choice between financial stability and motherhood.

What does this mean for the women at the heart of these stories? And what—if anything—is being done to change their situation?

To help us unpack these issues, we're joined by journalist Sean Lin of Focus Taiwan—also known as CNA English News. Sean has covered migrant worker rights in depth and brings a wealth of insight into the realities these workers face every day.

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