How COVID-19 Impacted 外勞 (Foreign Workers) Globally

How COVID-19 Impacted 外勞 (Foreign Workers) Globally

Blog Article

Foreign workers (外勞, wàiláo) refer to overseas laborers who migrate to another country for employment. They play a crucial role in industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and domestic work, filling labor shortages and supporting economic growth.

Why Are Foreign Workers Important?

Many countries rely on foreign labor due to:
Aging populations (e.g., Japan, Taiwan, Singapore)
Shortage of local workers in labor-intensive jobs
Economic growth in industries needing flexible workforce

Common Jobs for Foreign Workers

Foreign workers typically take on jobs such as

Factory and construction workers
Domestic helpers & caregivers
Agricultural and fishery laborers
Service industry staff (restaurants, cleaning)

Challenges Faced by Foreign Workers

Despite their contributions, many face difficulties:
Exploitation & unfair wages
Long working hours & poor living conditions
Language barriers & cultural differences
Legal restrictions on job mobility

Policies Protecting Foreign Workers

Some countries have introduced reforms:
Minimum wage laws for migrant workers
Stricter anti-trafficking measures
Better healthcare & insurance access
Legal support for contract disputes

Conclusion

Foreign workers (外勞) are essential to global economies, yet they often face hardships. Stronger labor rights, fair wages, and social integration policies are needed to ensure their well-being while benefiting host countries.

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