42 Health outcomes of migrant workers in the Asia-Pacific region: a mixed-method analysis of Taiwanese migrant workers in Vietnam

Abstract OP 35: Health Status 2, B210 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 10:15 - 11:15 Aim Labor migration is an increasingly global phenomenon. Most research to date has focused on low-skilled labor migrants from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) migrating to High-Income Countries (HIC). Despite the high level of labor migration within the Asia-Pacific region, studies on their health outcomes remain limited. Currently, over 60,000 Taiwanese migrants and their families reside in Vietnam, primarily employed in the manufacturing sector. This research aims to explore their health risks and needs. Methods This study employs a mixed method approach to explore the health?status of Taiwanese migrant workers residing in Vietnam. Data collection was conducted between July to December 2024, through an anonymized questionnaire survey (n = 490) and semi-structured?interviews (n = 27) among Taiwanese migrant workers in Vietnam. Results The survey indicates that 451(92%) respondents are aged 30–50, and 331(67%) are male. 406(83%) holds middle-level managerial positions within manufacturing factories. Unpaid overtime work is prevalent, with 294(60%) reporting regular overtime, and 308(63%) indicating they never received overtime compensation. Psychological exhaustion in the past week was commonly reported (358/73%). Compared to their practice in their home country, 206(42%) consume more alcohol, and 118(24%) smoke more frequently. When experiencing discomfort, 240(49%) choose not to request sick leave due to work-related concerns, and 176(36%) have never utilized medical facilities in Vietnam. One-third (157/32%) perceive local healthcare is low quality. Preliminary qualitative findings suggest that long working hours contribute to poor health symptoms, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, musculoskeletal disorders, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion Taiwanese migrant workers experience health risks similar to those experienced by low-skilled migrant workers from LMICs to HIC, despite holding managerial positions and following a contrasting migration trajectory, from HIC to LMICs. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions to address the occupational health challenges and healthcare accessibility issues faced by this population.