A Guide for OFWs in Taiwan
Filipinos are hard-working individuals who would do anything for their respective families. So much so that they are willing to make necessary sacrifices, even if it might mean losing a timeless and priceless element: time with their families.
An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is someone from the Philippines working or residing abroad. The term “overseas foreign worker” (OFW) is also accepted to refer to Filipinos working outside of the Philippines. As of 2022, there were about 2.24 million OFWs worldwide, a number significantly lower than the previous decade due to constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The majority of OFWs work in the Middle East and Asia, although there is also a growing number who are working in Europe and North America. Taiwan is a popular destination for OFWs because of its strong economy and high demand for labor. In addition, Taiwan offers many benefits and protections for OFWs, including social security and medical insurance.
However, being an OFW in Taiwan is not as simple as it may seem. There are many things to consider before deciding to work in Taiwan. Here are a few of them.
Applying for a Visa
The first step in working in Taiwan is to apply for a visa. Depending on their purpose of stay, there are different types of visas for OFWs. For example, work visas, student visas, and dependent visas are vital to understanding. The most common type of visa for OFWs is the work visa.
To apply for a work visa, you must have a valid passport, a photo ID, and a job offer from a Taiwanese employer. You must also submit your CV, educational certificates, and other relevant documents. The processing time for work visas is usually two to three weeks.
However, you might have to get hired for a job in Taiwan first before you can apply for a work visa. In this case, you can apply for a tourist visa first, which allows you to stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days. You can use this time to look for a job, and once you have found one, you can apply for a work visa.
Working in Taiwan
Once you have arrived in Taiwan on your work visa, there are a few things you need to do to start working. First, you must register with the local Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 15 days of arrival. The ARC is an identification card issued by the Taiwanese government that allows foreigners to live and work in Taiwan.
You will also need a Work Permit from the Council of Labor Affairs (CLA). The CLA issued the Work Permit and allowed you to work in Taiwan for a specific employer. To apply for a work permit, you must submit your passport, ARC, CV, educational certificates, and other relevant documents.
After you have obtained your work permit, you can start working in Taiwan. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while working in Taiwan. First, you must follow the terms of your work permit. For example, if your Work Permit states that you can only work for a particular employer, you cannot work for another employer.
Second, you must also follow Taiwanese labor laws. These laws protect your rights as an employee and set the minimum standards for working conditions and wages. For example, the law states that you must get paid at least the minimum wage, which is NT$23,100 (US$771) per month as of 2020.
Adapting to Taiwanese Culture
One of the challenges of being an OFW in Taiwan is an adaptation to Taiwanese culture. Taiwanese culture is very different from Filipino culture. For example, Taiwanese people are known to be very polite and formal. They also have a strong work ethic and value punctuality.
In addition, Taiwanese culture is also very hierarchical. This difference means that people in positions of authority are respected and obeyed. For example, you must show respect to your boss and other superiors.
You will also need to learn some Mandarin Chinese. While most Taiwanese people can speak English, they may not be able to understand you if you speak Filipino or another language. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Taiwan, so it would be beneficial for you to learn some basic phrases before coming to Taiwan.
Understanding Customs
When working in Taiwan as an OFW, it is essential to know the country’s customs. This is especially true when sending gifts and remittances to your family back home.
When sending gifts to your family, it is essential to remember their country’s customs. For example, giving knives or scissors as a gift in the Philippines is considered bad luck. It is also necessary to avoid giving gifts deemed taboo in the recipient’s country. Still, you might have to learn how to send a package from Taiwan to the Philippines. The tradition ensures you remain connected to your family.
When sending remittances to your family, their country’s currency must be kept in mind. For example, sending remittances to the Philippines is best to send them in Philippine pesos instead of US dollars. This is because the Philippine peso is the currency of the Philippines, and your family will be able to use them more easily.
Final Thoughts
Being an OFW is hard work. But with proper guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. The above information is just a guide for OFWs in Taiwan. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth transition into life as an OFW in Taiwan.
