Kaohsiung Ocean Affairs Bureau Cares for 300 Foreign Crew Members with Legal Guidance, Health Checks, and Haircuts to Build a Friendly Fishing Port

To enhance the labor rights and physical and mental well-being of foreign fishing crew members, the Kaohsiung City Government's Ocean Affairs Bureau held a 'Drug Prevention and Legal Education Workshop' and a foreign crew care event titled 'Riding the Waves, Grateful for You' at the Cianjhen Fishing Port Crew Center this afternoon (30th). Combining legal education, health care, multicultural exchange, and labor rights promotion, the event attracted over 300 foreign fishing crew members, demonstrating Kaohsiung's commitment to building a friendly international fishing port and caring for foreign seafarers.

Integrating Labor Rights, Multiculturalism, and Health Services to Build a Safe and Sustainable Fisheries Environment

Ocean Affairs Bureau Director Shih Ching-feng stated that Cianjhen Fishing Port is a major offshore fishing port in Taiwan. During the annual squid fishing season, when vessels return for maintenance and resupply, large numbers of foreign crew members arrive with them. To help these crew members understand Taiwan's laws and protect their rights, the Bureau collaborated this year with the city's Anti-Narcotics Office to conduct drug prevention outreach. It also invited the Fisheries Agency, Immigration Agency, Coast Guard Administration, and relevant city departments to provide multilingual guidance on dengue fever prevention, anti-drunk driving, African swine fever prevention, and fisheries regulations—reducing the risk of violations and enhancing legal awareness.

The opening ceremony featured Director Shih, foreign crew members, and guests jointly launching a giant balloon symbolizing 'Fisheries Labor Rights and Sustainable Development,' highlighting the Ocean Affairs Bureau's collaboration with Taiwan's three major offshore fishing associations to promote labor rights and sustainable fisheries. This also aligns with the Fisheries Agency's 'Fisheries and Human Rights Action Plan 2.0,' aiming to create a safer and more welcoming working environment in the fishing industry.

In addition to legal education, the event offered various care services: cultural performances by the Filipino dance group BB Dance Crew showcased Southeast Asian culture; the Ai Jianfa Haircut Volunteer Team provided free haircuts; the Kaohsiung City Massage Workers' Union offered shoulder and neck massages; and Siaogang Hospital conducted health screenings, health education, and consultations—ensuring comprehensive physical and mental care for foreign crew members during their port stay.

The event also included meals, beverages, and a lucky draw, creating a lively atmosphere. Foreign crew members actively participated, experiencing Kaohsiung's warmth and hospitality through laughter and interaction.

Director Shih stated that the Ocean Affairs Bureau will continue collaborating with the three major offshore fishing associations, fishing associations, and central government agencies to deepen care for foreign crew members, protect labor rights, and promote multicultural exchange. The goal is to build a Kaohsiung Port that balances human rights protection, industrial sustainability, and international friendliness, ensuring every foreign fishing crew member working in Taiwan can work safely and return home securely.