Taiwan should treat its migrant workers equally, stressed Maryknoll missionary Fr. Joy Tajonera, pointing out that many still miss out on the Lunar New Year bonus that local employees routinely receive.

In an interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Usapang OFW, Tajonera said that while the bonus — called the Chinese New Year benefit — is widely observed and treated as standard practice, foreign workers frequently don’t receive the same entitlement.

“In some cases, migrants do receive bonuses, but it really depends on the employer,” he said. “Some are lucky if their bosses are generous. A few get as much as three to five months’ salary, but many others get nothing.”

Tajonera said this raises serious questions about fairness and equal protection, especially since Taiwanese regulations promote non-discrimination and equal opportunity in the workplace.

As Taiwan prepares to launch a direct-hiring initiative next month — aimed at simplifying recruitment and cutting placement costs for migrant workers — Usapang OFW hosts Chingbee Fernandez and John Dodson expressed hope the new system would also push agencies to review benefits and ensure that foreign workers receive the same treatment as locals.

“Let’s advocate for it,” Tajonera said. “The law is clear: no discrimination, no double standard. Yet when it comes to the Chinese New Year bonus, many migrant workers are still left out.”