TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Ministry of Labor on Thursday denied an online rumor that it spends NT$2 billion (US$66 million) annually to subsidize the placement of 8,000 children abandoned by migrant workers using the Employment Stability Fund. Citing data provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Labor indicated that about 45 children of migrant workers have required out-of-home placement since 2007 and total expenditure on such services is estimated to be NT$5.51 million. The ministry is responsible for resolving the placement of abandoned children in collaboration with social services in accordance with regulations governing the Employment Stability Fund, officials said. To qualify for such subsidies, children must be born to migrant workers, with at least one legally working in Taiwan according to the Employment Services Act and the whereabouts of those parents unknown. Children being cared for by their parents or third parties arranged by their parents are not eligible, according to the ministry.

Source: The China Post May 19, 2017 00:00 UTC