The number of unaccounted for migrants in Taiwan has doubled in four years, now totaling 90,000. Bernard, a Filipino migrant, keeps a low profile while working in an electronics factory. He became undocumented after refusing to comply with his broker's demands, which included resigning and forgoing payments. Brokers exploit their influence over migrant workers, often leading to abusive relationships. After his contract expired, Bernard overstayed his visa to support his daughter’s education in the Philippines, describing his situation as feeling like a "bird in a cage."
The number of unaccounted for migrants on the island has doubled in the last four years, reaching 90,000 this January.
Brokers in Taiwan take a cut of their clients' wages and have significant influence over their conditions and job prospects, making their relationships prone to abuse.
Hired at one of Taiwan's many electronics factories, Bernard came to the island legally in 2016. But since June 2024, he has been among Taiwan's growing population of undocumented workers.
Desperate to support his daughter's education in the Philippines, Bernard ditched his broker and decided to overstay his visa to work odd construction jobs.
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