Taiwan Worker Guide
Next steps · Taiwan Worker Guide
Employer or agency holds passport in Taiwan
What to record if your passport, ARC, or original documents are held by an employer or agency in Taiwan.
Prep card
Before asking an agency or calling 1955, write these facts down.
This is not an official form. Use it to organize the facts so the problem is easier to explain.
- Name as shown on ARC or passport
- ARC or passport number
- Work address or incident location
- Employer and agency name
- Date and time of the incident
- Money amount, document, or fee involved
- Proof: payslip, bank transfer, photos, contract, LINE messages
Keep original files and write a short timeline before calling.
Fact check
How this page is checked
- Last checked
- 2026-07-09
- Applies to
- All migrant workers
- Official sources
- This page is written from official Taiwan sources (Ministry of Labor, Immigration, NHI). How to use official sources
- Rules that may change
ARC / work permit validity and renewal steps can change. The dates on your own documents are always the most accurate.
Employer transfer rules and waiting periods can be revised. Check the latest Ministry of Labor announcements before big decisions.
Found a translation or information mistake? Report by email · About translation quality
Official source + Taiwan context
Use official sources to check rights, then use this page to explain the case.
Official pages give rules and help channels. Taiwan Worker Guide turns them into short steps, proof to keep, and Taiwan terms people actually use.
ARC or work permit expiring
- Official channel
- The WDA portal provides migrant worker rights information, applications, transfer queries, forms, regulations, and multilingual materials.
- Taiwan note
- For ARC or work permit issues, focus on expiry date, application proof, who is handling it, and written messages from agency or employer.
Need to change employer
- Official channel
- For disputes, unreasonable treatment, or personal infringement, 1955 can forward complaints to local labor bureaus or police.
- Taiwan note
- Before changing employer, write the reason, deadline, who holds documents, and whether there were threats or pressure to sign.
First steps
Do not handle it alone if you feel unsafe. Record who has the document, when it was taken, and ask for return in writing.
ARC or work permit expiring
Document deadlines matter. Check the expiry date, ask for written renewal status, and do not wait until the last day.
Read guide ProcessNeed to change employer
Changing employer usually needs an official process. Do not leave work without documenting the reason and getting advice first.
Read guideIf passport or ARC is held
- Record who has the original document, when it was given, and the reason they gave.
- Ask for return by message so there is written proof.
- If unsafe, do not argue alone. Contact 1955 or local help.
Common questions
Employer or agency holds passport in Taiwan: where should I start?
Do not handle it alone if you feel unsafe. Record who has the document, when it was taken, and ask for return in writing.
Can 1955 help?
Free 24-hour hotline for migrant workers, employers, and agencies. Official services include consultation, complaints, legal aid information, protection referral, and interpretation.
What proof should I keep?
Keep ARC, Passport, Work permit, Application proof or agency message, Contract, ARC and work permit, Agency messages, Proof of unfair treatment. Write down dates, names, amounts, and what was said.
Official source desk
Use this site to organize the facts, then check the official channel.
The WDA runs the Foreign National Labor Rights Portal. 1955 serves migrant workers, employers, and agencies for consultation, complaints, legal aid information, shelter referral, and live interpretation.
- 1955 is a free 24-hour hotline from mobile phones, landlines, and public phones.
- Consultation covers labor contracts, wages, working hours, occupational injury, and broker fees.
- For labor disputes, unreasonable treatment, or personal infringement, 1955 can forward complaints to local labor bureaus or police.