To appreciate foreign crews’ contribution to Taiwan’s fisheries and their years of hard work at sea as well as to encourage migrant workers to engage in literary creation, the Fisheries Agency of Taiwan held free medical consultations and a BBQ party together with organizations including Southeast Asia Educational, Scientific and Cultural Association; National Immigration Agency of Ministry of the Interior; Yilan City Government; and Suao Fishermen’s Association at Nanfang’ao 3rd Fish Auction Market on November 1, 2020. The award ceremony of the 7th Taiwan Literature Awards for Migrants, organized by Southeast Asia Educational, Scientific and Cultural Association, also took place concurrently at the same venue.

　　The Agency expressed that putting off medical treatments in order to save the cost of living is common among foreign crews. In recognition of foreign crews’ years of contribution to Taiwan’s fisheries, the medical consultations were held with the help of the medical team consisting of experts from Tri-Service General Hospital of National Defense Medical Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, and Buddhist Tzu Chi Hospital by providing consultations in Dentistry, Family Medicine, Ophthalmology, Occupational Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 300 foreign crews in Nanfang’ao area. Meanwhile, a BBQ party was organized to help relieve foreign crews’ stress at work and open up opportunities for cultural exchanges. The Agency also distributed reusable bags with kerchief and soap gift box inside as a token of appreciation for the valuable services from foreign crew members.

　　Immigrants and migrant workers from South East Asia are essential component of Taiwanese society. Marking its 7th year this year, the Taiwan Literature Awards for Migrants, aimed to make immigrants and migrant workers’ voice heard through their writings, is held annually. The 7th Awards were presented to 6 Indonesian migrant workers and 2 Vietnamese immigrants. Through providing assistance in organizing the award ceremony, the Fisheries Agency of Taiwan demonstrated the government’s respect for diversity and position on human rights protection. Additionally, the selection of the award ceremony venue was to lament the 6 deceased foreign crew in the Nanfang’ao Bridge collapse incident last year.

　　The Fisheries Agency of Taiwan concluded that foreign crews are the indispensable workmates in Taiwan’s marine fisheries, and that Taiwanese should embrace and respect the cultural differences and treat the foreign crew with empathy. The Agency will also continue caring foreign crew in Taiwan, advancing crew rest facilities around fishing ports, and safeguarding the rights and benefits of foreign crews.


　　　　Contact Point: Deputy Director-General Mr. Cheng-Fang Wang
　　　　Contact E-mail: chengfan@ms1.fa.gov.tw