“Even though we rushed to the scene to help, the worker still wouldn’t tell us the truth because her employer was standing right there. At that moment, I felt so frustrated.”
Hsiao Yi-tsai, director of the SPA Indonesian Migrant Worker Shelter, says Indonesian migrant workers are often raised in environments shaped by cultural and religious traditions and social hierarchies that teach them from a young age to obey and respect authority. Many are also afraid of confrontation. Whenever she encounters situations like this, she says, she can’t help but feel discouraged.
While studying at National Chengchi University, Hsiao joined the NCCU Seed Club and spent her weekends interning at a shelter in Taoyuan. After graduation, she decided to “give the shelter a try.” One try turned into ten years. Originally an Arabic major, Hsiao also worked hard to learn Indonesian. Today, young Indonesian migrant mothers at the shelter affectionately call her “Miss.”
You Can’t Always Wait for an Interpreter
“When there’s an emergency, you can’t always wait for an interpreter,” Hsiao says.
In addition to caring for mothers and babies, the shelter also provides consultations and takes calls for help from other migrant mothers. Most calls come after 6 or 7 p.m. Some workers have stomachaches, some miss home, and others are feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Hsiao patiently listens and helps calm them down.
“Migrant mothers are living far from home. They need someone to be there for them.”
That, she says, is one of the main reasons she decided to learn Indonesian.
She Was the Victim, Yet She Was Forced to Apologize
“She was clearly the victim, yet she was forced to apologize. I still can’t forget that scene.”
Hsiao recalls a case involving a domestic caregiver who was beaten unconscious by her employer. After learning about the incident, the broker contacted the association and asked for help. Hsiao accompanied the caregiver to report the assault to police, receive a medical examination and file a lawsuit, hoping to help her seek justice.
But after the employer learned that the caregiver had filed a complaint, the employer scratched herself, obtained a medical examination and accused the caregiver of assault in return. The case eventually turned into both sides accusing each other of violence.
During mediation at court, the employer arrogantly demanded that the caregiver apologize first. Fearing that she would lose her job, the caregiver had no choice but to apologize and settle the case.
Abuse Hidden Behind Closed Doors
Hsiao says foreign domestic caregivers work in highly isolated environments, where physical violence, verbal humiliation and sexual violence often take place inside employers’ homes, away from public view.
That makes it difficult for outsiders to intervene and even harder for victims to protect themselves.
Hsiao believes this is also connected to the cultural background in which many Indonesian migrant workers are taught to obey and respect authority. The association has repeatedly received calls for help and rushed to the scene, only to see workers retreat when confronted by their employers and change their stories, saying, “It’s okay now.”
“That always leaves us feeling discouraged.”
His Optimism Gave Me Strength
But there are also moments that give her hope.
Recently, Hsiao visited a migrant worker who had suffered a major accident and lost a limb. He moved around by supporting his body with his hands and went three weeks in the hospital without being able to take a shower. Yet he remained optimistic, even joking about himself and making everyone laugh.
“His optimism and refusal to give up on life also encouraged me,” Hsiao says. It felt as though she had been “recharged,” giving her renewed courage and strength to continue helping others.
Quietly Sharing Love
“Over the years, there have certainly been plenty of setbacks. But I’ve also helped many migrant workers who experienced sexual harassment, physical abuse or workplace accidents receive compensation and start their lives over. Some of them have even become my friends. Those experiences have given me a deep sense of fulfillment.”
Migrant workers who come to Taiwan alone to work are unfamiliar with their surroundings and often have little support. When they face exploitation or abuse of power by brokers or employers, they need people around them to reach out and offer help.
“That’s why I’ve continued working on the front lines to support migrant workers,” she says.
From a girl from Lukang to the “Miss” known and trusted by migrant mothers, Hsiao has never shouted slogans or portrayed herself as a hero. She simply continues to share the love she carries in her heart with people who need it, quietly passing on a kindness that never seeks the spotlight.
[UDN | By Chang Yu-chen and Chen En-hui | Interview]2026-08-16 00:00
[Photo by Reporter Ji Xiangru]