Taiwan Condemns Kaohsiung Billboard Opposing Indian Worker Hiring

Taiwan has formally condemned a political campaign billboard opposing the hiring of Indian migrant workers, reaffirming its commitment to a bilateral labor agreement amid a domestic debate over immigration. The incident has drawn accusations of racism and highlighted underlying tensions as Taiwan seeks to address labor shortages.

The billboard was displayed in the Siaogang district of Kaohsiung by Lee Hungyi, a ward chief and independent candidate for the city council. It featured a prohibition symbol over an inverted Indian flag alongside an image of a man wearing a turban, with a message promising to ban Indian immigration. The display was criticized by local residents of Indian origin, who described it as offensive and a reinforcement of stigma against migrant workers.

In response, the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Center in India issued a statement saying Taiwan deeply regrets and strongly condemns any form of prejudice, racism, and discrimination. The center clarified that such biased remarks do not represent the official stance, emphasizing Taiwan's commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and diversity. It reiterated Taiwan's long-standing plan to introduce Indian migrant...