TAIPEI — Migrant workers injured in workplace accidents are eligible for a legal assistance programme that provides legal support and interpretation services throughout the process, Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor said.

The programme currently provides legal consultations, lawyers to accompany workers during settlements and mediation, and assistance with litigation for occupational accident victims, including migrant workers, as reported by Taipei Times.

The ministry said interpretation services are available throughout the legal process for migrant workers.

It has also instructed local government officials handling occupational accident cases to assess migrant workers’ needs and connect them with lawyers when necessary.

The ministry’s clarification came after questions were raised about whether migrant workers, including live-in caregivers and domestic helpers not covered by the Labor Standards Act, could access the programme.

Department of Labor Relations Director-General Wang Hou-wei said the programme covers such workers, stressing that interpretation is particularly important in helping migrant workers understand and assert their rights.

The programme is set to be expanded from Jan 1 next year to include legal representation during criminal trials, extending assistance beyond the investigation stage.

Legal Aid Foundation CEO Steven Chou said the expansion would help address a gap in the current system by ensuring workers have legal representation throughout criminal proceedings.

“We believe there should also be a lawyer alongside (the worker) during the trial,” Chou said.

He said lawyers could help identify witnesses and other evidence, particularly when the prosecutor handling the trial differs from the one who conducted the investigation.

Legal representatives could also explain the physical disabilities, psychological trauma and other consequences suffered by workers and their families to help courts consider the impact of workplace accidents during sentencing.

They would also assist workers and their families during settlement negotiations and help them seek reasonable compensation from employers.

Under the programme, eligible workers can receive assistance with legal fees and other necessary expenses of up to NT$100,000 per case, as well as living expenses while involved in litigation.

Chou said lawyers assigned through the foundation receive NT$20,000 for representing complainants during criminal investigations and NT$30,000 for trial proceedings.

The Legal Aid Foundation had 4,889 legal aid lawyers last year, with about 61 per cent having more than 11 years of legal experience.

Taiwan had 895,115 blue-collar migrant workers as of late June, according to ministry data.