The Ministry of Labor (MOL) on Thursday said Taiwan will continue to strive for fair hiring practices and that the country already prohibits charging migrant workers recruitment fees.

The MOL made the statement in response to a joint letter issued Sept. 11 by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) urging the Taiwanese government to prohibit brokers from charging "monthly fees and any other recruitment fees and associated costs" to migrant workers.

The AAFA letter, addressed to Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝), also called for Taiwan to make improvements on several other issues, including protecting and promoting migrant workers' access to unions or independent workers' associations and streamlining the application process for those who want to change employers.

The 50 signatories are global brands including Adidas, ASICS, Gap, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Levi Strauss & Co., Marks and Spencer, Nike, Patagonia and Puma.

Citing principles under the International Labour Organization's Fair Recruitment Initiative, the MOL said Taiwan already prohibits brokers in the country from imposing recruitment fees or other related costs on migrant workers…