Taiwan is set to implement tougher labor protections for foreign workers in its distant-water fishing fleet, including a higher mandatory base salary and stricter enforcement against non-compliant employers, the Fisheries Agency announced.

Beginning in 2026, newly recruited foreign crew members must receive a minimum monthly wage of US$570, up from the current US$550. Authorities said fishing companies that fail to meet the requirement risk losing approval to hire overseas workers.

The salary adjustment is among the measures outlined in the second phase of the government’s Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Rights, which will cover the period from 2026 to 2029.

The plan has been submitted to the Cabinet as part of Taiwan’s ongoing effort to address labor standards in the fishing industry.

According to the Fisheries Agency, the new phase builds on reforms introduced since 2022, maintaining a focus on improving onboard living conditions, expanding social protections for workers, strengthening supervision of labor brokers, and increasing oversight of vessels operating under flags of convenience.

Monitoring systems and international cooperation will also be further developed.

As part of aligning domestic regulations with global standards, the agency is advancing legislation to adopt the International Labour Organization’s Work in Fishing Convention.

The draft bill has completed interagency consultations and is awaiting Cabinet clearance before being sent to the Legislature.

Officials said additional reforms are underway, including systems to monitor wage payments and settle salary arrears, digital employment contracts, better onboard communications, and improved access to medical services.

Remote telemedicine services, tested on fishing vessels last year, are expected to be gradually expanded nationwide in 2026.