Taiwan minister apologies for her ‘racist’ remarks on Indian workers

Taipei: Taiwan’s Labour Minister Hsu Ming-chun on Tuesday said her country’s ‘labour policies aim for equality’ after she faced criticism for her ministry’s plan to recruiting Indian workers based on 'their skin colour and dietary habits’.

Hsu Ming-chun issued the apology hours after she told an interview that her ministry would be recruiting workers from northeastern India as their 'their skin colour and dietary habits are closer to ours,’ ANI reported citing Central News Agency Taiwan.

Hsu Ming-chun added, referring to the assessment by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), that people in this region, mostly Christians, are ‘skilled in manufacturing, construction, and farming.’

Expressing regret for her comments, Hsu told a legislative hearing that Taiwan’s policies, aim for equality without discrimination no matter bet it local or foreign workers.

It is reported by Central News Agency that she was to highlight performance and skills of Indian workers, while still not having any discriminatory motives.

Taking to X, legislator Chen Kuan-ting of the Democratic Progressive Party flayed Hsu's comments saying that skin colour and race should not be criteria for recruiting migrant workers.

Subsequently, the Labor Ministry apologised for Hsu's ‘inaccurate’ choice of words.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday came out with an apology for the 'not entirely appropriate' narratives regarding recruitment of Indian workers.

‘Taiwan also fully respects India's diverse and rich culture and cherishes the friendship between the peoples of Taiwan and India. It will spare no effort in advancing cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries, with the aim of further elevating cooperation and partnership between Taiwan and India,’ it added.