🤰Pregnant in Taiwan: You Cannot Be Fired for Being Pregnant

Updated: 2026-11-01

Many rumors say "if you get pregnant you will be sent home at once". That is not true. Don't panic, don't run away, and don't take any medicine without a doctor's prescription.

Your rights

• The Gender Equality in Employment Act (性別平等工作法) protects all workers, including migrant workers. Your employer may not dismiss you because you are pregnant.
• An employer who breaks this rule can be fined NT$300,000–1,500,000 and have their name published.
• Your passport and ARC belong to you. Your employer or broker may not keep them, including while you are pregnant.

Do not sign if you do not agree

• If an employer and a worker "agree" to end the contract, it must be verified at the local Labor Affairs Bureau (勞工局). The officer will ask whether you really want to go home.
• If you are being forced, say clearly: "I do not agree" (我不同意, wǒ bù tóngyì). Officers must not approve a termination forced on you because of pregnancy.
• If your contract ends for a reason that is not your fault, you can apply to change employers.
• Unsure or under pressure? Call 1955 (free, 24 hours, English available) before you sign anything.

Health during pregnancy

• Get prenatal check-ups at a hospital or clinic with your health insurance card (健保卡). Ask about costs at the counter first.
• Phrases for the doctor are in Seeing a Doctor in Taiwan. You can also use the Talk Translator.
• Never buy abortion pills or any medicine from the internet or from friends. It can be very dangerous.

Money

• If you are covered by Labor Insurance (勞保), you can apply for the maternity benefit (生育給付).
• The rumor that "pregnant migrant workers get NT$39,000 a month" is false.
• The government's NT$100,000 birth subsidy is only for Taiwanese citizens and foreign spouses whose children are Taiwanese, not for migrant workers.

After the baby is born

• A baby born in Taiwan whose mother or father has an ARC must apply for an ARC within 30 days (counted from the day after birth) at the Immigration service center (移民署服務站) where you live.
• Bring: application form, one 2-inch photo, the baby's passport (or proof that it is being issued), the birth certificate (出生證明), the mother's or father's ARC, proof of address, and the fee. If the baby's residence is based on the father, you also need a legalized marriage certificate.
• Once the baby has an ARC, ask NHI about health insurance for the baby: 0800-030-598 (free).
• For the baby's passport, contact your country's representative office in Taiwan.

This information is general and can change at any time. Always check the official sources, or call 1955 (free, 24 hours, English available).