The Ministry of Environment today released operating guidelines for companies that employ foreign workers in the waste recycling industry, with the goal of attracting about 1,000 workers to the sector.
Foreign laborers would be restricted to roles inside of recycling facilities, such as sorting waste, and would not be allowed to drive vehicles, the Resource Circulation Administration (RECA) said.
On May 7, the Ministry of Labor amended the Qualifications and Criteria Standards for Foreigners Undertaking the Jobs Specified in the Employment Service Act, opening the door for the waste recycling industry to hire migrant workers.
Photo courtesy of Homei Township
Employers must first apply to the Ministry of Environment to certify their qualifications, then apply for a migrant worker recruiter permit from the Ministry of Labor.
This policy change goes into effect immediately, RECA Deputy Director-General Lin Chien-san (林健三) said today.
A company can apply if it is registered with the RECA and local agencies, Lin said.
Many companies have already inquired about the new policy, Lin said, adding that RECA estimates there are several hundred recycling companies across the country that would be eligible to hire migrant workers.
The workers would only be allowed to engage in sorting work after the waste has already been transported to the recycling site, Lin said.
This year, it is estimated that the number of foreign workers in the industry would reach about 1,000, although the number would be reviewed every year following industry needs and the number of applications, Lin said.
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