What is Legal Aid?
The Legal Aid Foundation (LAF) is a government-supported non-profit organization that provides free legal services to those who cannot afford legal fees. Migrant workers in Taiwan are eligible to apply, and the eligibility requirements are very low.
Actions that can be assisted include:
Wage disputes (withheld wages, unpaid overtime)
Occupational injury compensation claims
Wrongful dismissal or forced resignation
Contract disputes (disputes over agency fees, substandard working conditions)
Passport confiscation
Human trafficking/forced labor
Criminal cases (such as employer sexual assault, assault)
Immigration status issues (residence, deportation appeals)
How to apply?
Method 1: Directly to a Legal Aid Foundation branch. Branches are located in all 21 counties and cities across Taiwan. Simply bring your residence permit or passport to apply.
Method 2: Apply by Phone
Legal Aid Service Hotline: 02-412-8518 (Chinese)
Foreign Language Service: You can inform us if you need Vietnamese/Thai/Indonesian translation, etc., and the foundation will assist in arranging it.
Method 3: Referral via 1955
Call 1955 and explain your needs. A specialist will assist in referring you to legal aid.
How are eligibility checks conducted?
Eligibility Verification: Migrant workers' wages are usually below the legal aid benchmark, and most automatically qualify.
Case Review: Lawyers assess the legality of the case, and results are usually notified within 1-2 weeks.
If the case is complex, legal aid can arrange for a lawyer to represent you in court throughout the process.
Available Legal Services
| Services | Fees |
|---|---|
| Legal Consultation (30 minutes per session) | Free |
| Drafting of Petitions (Lawyer assists in writing letters and appeals) | Free |
| Litigation Representation (Lawyer appears in court to defend you) | Free |
| Mediation Assistance | Free |
Common Cases
Case 1: An Indonesian migrant worker had his salary withheld for 3 months by his employer. Through legal aid, he recovered a total of 80,000 NTD in unpaid wages and overtime pay.
Case 2: A Vietnamese migrant worker suffered an occupational injury and was required by his employer to pay for his medical expenses. Legal aid assisted him in applying to the Labor Insurance Bureau and seeking compensation from his employer, resulting in a compensation of 150,000 NTD.
Case 3: A Filipino migrant worker suffered domestic violence; legal aid assisted in applying for a protection order and changing employers.
Other Free Legal Resources
Free Legal Consultation by Labor Bureaus in Various Counties and Cities: Scheduled weekly, appointments required.
Service Stations of the National Immigration Agency: Provide basic legal consultation and referrals.
NGO Support: Assistance is available from organizations such as the Taiwan Migrant Workers Union (MENT) and the Taoyuan City Community Service Association.