Live-in Migrant Care Workers in Taiwan: The Debate on the Household Service Act

Abstract

The increasing flow of migrant care workers from poorer to wealthier countries not only reflects care deficits in the latter countries, but also reveals issues concerning the rights and working conditions of migrant care workers. The discussion on the Household Services Act in Taiwan draws attention to the vulnerable and marginalized situation of live-in migrant care workers in society. In this essay, I investigate the debates around legislating the Household Service Act in Taiwan to shed light on the complexities of care work and care relations. By illustrating the care paradoxes and dynamics between care workers and care recipients and their families, I argue that the state has an important role in providing care resources and support to families.