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OMNES : The Journal of multicultural society
[ Article ]
OMNES: The Journal of Multicultural Society - Vol. 10, No. 2, pp.102-125
ISSN: 2093-5498 (Print)
Print publication date 31 Jul 2020
Received 29 Oct 2019 Revised 14 Nov 2019 Accepted 04 Jun 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14431/omnes.2020.07.10.2.102

How Are Migrants Viewed in the Eyes of Employers? Double Exclusion among Immigrants in Taiwan

Hae Na Kim ; Yun Hsiang Hsu* ; Chih-Yu Chen ; Kuo-Jung Lin
University College of Teacher Education, Klagenfurt, Austria
National Central University, Taiwan
National Chengchi University, Taiwan
Chihlee University of Technology, Taiwan

Correspondence to: *Yun Hsiang Hsu, National Central University, Taiwan, yhhsu@cc.ncu.edu.tw

Abstract

While many countries are open to those born elsewhere being part of their nation, surveys find that this acceptance comes with a certain prerequisite—that it is important to speak the dominant language. This prerequisite has been continuously observed and studied in the field of labor market performance. This study surveys 1,043 employers in Taiwan for their willingness to hire foreign brides from Southeast Asia or Mainland China. The link between the proficiency of the use of language among immigrants and direct job discrimination in Taiwanese workplaces is confirmed. Results show that vocational trainings provided by the government to immigrants are not positively associated with a willingness to hire among employers. Policy recommendations are provided with regard to the establishment of language courses.

Keywords:

immigrant workers, gender, marriage migration, vocational training, Taiwan

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Biographical Note

Hae Na Kim has served as a Visiting Scholar of Educational Science at the University College of Teacher Education in Austria and as a Research Fellow at the National Central University in Taiwan. Her recent research focuses on career development, immigration policy, organizational culture, vocational education and training. E-mail: haenak97@gmail.com

Yun-Hsiang Hsu is an associate professor in the Institute of Law and Government at National Central University in Taiwan. He has also worked as a civil servant in several government agencies, including the Population Forecasting Unit at the National Development Council and the Ministry of Labor. Dr. Hsu’s research interests focus on policy and program performance evaluation and various labor issues, including domestic employment. E-mail: yhhsu@cc.ncu.edu.tw

Chih-Yu Cheng is a Professor of Labor Studies at National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan. His research focuses on Labor Relations, Labor Policy and Human Resource Policy. E-mail: cycheng@nccu.edu.tw

Kuo-jung Lin, Professor of International Trade Department, Chihlee University of Technology in Taiwan. His research focuses on labor economics, international economics, social and cultural adaptation of foreign immigrants and migrant workers E-mail: charlie@mail.chihlee.edu.tw