53 outstanding OFWs in Taiwan granted permanent residency – MECO

Taiwan flags can be seen at a square ahead of the national day celebration in Taoyuan, Taiwan, October 8, 2021. (File photo from REUTERS/Ann Wang)

MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) employed in Taiwanese companies who have shown exemplary performance in their workplace were promoted and granted an opportunity to permanently reside in Taiwan with their families, according to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

In a statement on Sunday, MECO chairman Silvestre H. Bello III said the incentive has already been offered and given to 53 OFWs working with food companies in Taoyuan such as I-Mei Foods Co. Ltd, which already hired over 10,000 Filipino workers over the last 30 years.

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“In I-Mei Foods alone, about 53 OFWs had been promoted to mid-managerial positions. That gave them the privilege of being exempted from the maximum period of stay in Taiwan,” Bello said.

He added that more companies were also granting similar benefits to OFWs, citing an example wherein a Filipino worker was hailed by the Taiwanese government for outstanding performance and was promoted to a managerial position in the electronic company he was employed.

The MECO official disclosed that the government of Taiwan “allows foreign workers a maximum of 12 years of work in manufacturing firms except when given mid-level work assignments.”

“And with the company’s assistance, they can apply for permanent residence and invite their families to live with them in Taiwan,” Bello further explained.