Secret Signing of Migrant Worker MOU with India; Lai Administration Accused of Ignoring Public Safety and Women's Rights

In February 2024, the DPP government, which had vaguely denied rumors of massive labor recruitment from India before the presidential election, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labor cooperation with India via video link shortly after the election. The move sparked immediate public panic and outrage across Taiwan. Citizens expressed deep concerns regarding potential threats to public safety and women's security, given long-standing issues with sexual violence in India. Critics slammed the Lai administration for a complete lack of public consultation and "black-box" policymaking, arguing the government is prioritizing cheap labor for capitalists over the personal safety and rights of Taiwanese citizens and local workers.